Automated inspection system and method for nondestructive inspection of a workpiece using induction thermography

US8527215B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SIEMENS ENERGY, INC. · US

Inventors

• Johannes Vrana · Munich, DE
• Hubert Mooshofer · Birkenfeld, DE
• Matthias Goldammer · Birkenfeld, DE
• Max Rothenfusser · Munich, DE
• Wolfgang Heine · Unterhaching, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N25/72
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Automated inspection system and method are provided for nondestructive inspection and evaluation of an electrically-conductive workpiece based on induction thermography. A movable carriage (15) may be arranged to translate the workpiece in an inspection location (18). An induction coil 20 is disposed at the inspection location. The induction coil is responsive to an excitation current to induce a flow of electrical current in a region of interest of the workpiece. A thermographic camera (22) is disposed at the inspection location. The thermographic camera is arranged to capture data indicative of a thermal response resulting from the flow of electrical current. A computer system (30) is configured to process the data from the thermographic camera to generate an indication of a presence of a discontinuity (e.g., a subsurface crack) in the workpiece.