Military Applications of Infrared Nondestructive Testing

Active and passive infrared nondestructive testing (IRNDT) techniques were investigated to determine their limitations and potential military applications. Active IRNDT methods involved the use of various techniques, in which radiation from a conventional infrared heat lamp and a CO2 laser were used to heat a specimen. In these methods, a scanning infrared radiometer and an infrared camera were used to detect thermal anomalies that were indicative of surface and near-surface programmed flaws. Passive IRNDT investigations involved the development and evaluation of a miniaturized high-speed infrared radiometer which can be used to inspect the interior surface of a gun tube or other inaccessible surfaces that are difficult to inspect with more conventional instrumentation. Each of the IRNDT methods investigated have particular advantages associated with their use. The best method for a particular application, however, must be determined by consideration of the physical, geometry, material, and mass of the object being investigated.