Thermography is a non-destructive testing technique used to detect and measure

temperature variations on the surface of an object. The principle behind thermography

is that any object, regardless of its temperature, emits infrared radiation. By using a
thermal camera, these infrared radiations can be detected and converted into a thermal
image.

In the field of non-destructive testing, thermography is used to detect defects or

anomalies that are not visible to the naked eye. For instance, in the aerospace industry,
thermography is used to detect cracks, delaminations, or disbonding in composite
materials. Similarly, in the energy sector, thermography is used to detect hot spots or
abnormal temperature variations in electrical equipment, such as transformers or
switchgears.

The advantages of thermography over traditional testing methods, such as visual

inspection or penetrant testing, are numerous. Firstly, thermography is a non-contact
and non-invasive technique that does not require physical contact with the object being
tested. Secondly, thermography provides a real-time and visual representation of the
temperature distribution on the object's surface. Thirdly, thermography can cover large
areas quickly and efficiently, making it a time-efficient technique.

However, thermography also has its limitations. One of the main limitations of
thermography is its sensitivity to environmental conditions, such as air temperature,
humidity, or wind. These conditions can affect the accuracy and reliability of the thermal
images, leading to false positives or false negatives. Secondly, the interpretation of
thermal images requires expert knowledge and training, as the thermal patterns
observed on the surface of an object may not always indicate the presence of a defect
or anomaly.

In conclusion, thermography is a valuable non-destructive testing technique that can

detect and locate defects or anomalies in a wide range of applications, from aerospace
to energy. Although it has its limitations, thermography remains a powerful tool in the
hands of expert technicians and engineers.