Image processing techniques for the quantification of defects on aircraft materials obtained from infrared thermographs

Abstract

In this research work, an experimental investigation was performed for the determination of defects on aircraft materials. Infrared thermographic active approach was used for the location and identification of defects on cracked aluminum panels untreated and repaired with carbon or boron epoxy composite patches. Furthermore, the quantification of these detected defects was attempted, using selected image processing and analysis techniques. Thermographic image analysis using histograms and digital image processing were applied on these obtained thermal images with the intention of calculating the localized defected areas. The results from these image analysis techniques were compared and discussed in terms of developing an integrated approach for the quantification of defects on aircraft components.