Applications

Covering the Full Spectrum of Applications

Thermal Wave Imaging has played a leading role in bringing thermography from the research lab to the real world of NDT, offering results comparable to ultrasound, radiography, eddy current and laser shearography for many applications.  We’ve been providing solutions to our customers since 1993, many of them industry firsts.  However, application requirements are constantly changing to meet advances in materials and manufacturing processes, and we continue to learn and move thermography forward to meet new challenges.  If you don’t see an application here, ask us.  We’ve probably done it (or are working on it now!)

Large Area NDT

Applying thermography to large, non-planar structures requires careful consideration of critical factors* that extend beyond initial test article validation.  We work closely with our customers to optimize NDT performance and minimize total inspection time, from the first shot to the final report.  Here are just a few examples of successful TWI large are installations:
  • Helicopter main rotor (>40 ft)
  • Jet engine nacelle IFS (7 ft diam)
  • Rocket fairings (70 ft)
  • NASA Artemis II:  Orion Spacecraft Adapter Cone (max diam 18 ft)
  • Real-time airplane wing FOD inspection (150 ft)
  • NASA Space Shuttle C/C leading edge (60 ft) and nose cone

* We literally wrote the book on these:
         ASNT Aerospace NDT Handbook Chap 11
         ASTM E2582-21 Standard Practice for IR Flash Thermography

Composite Material / Structures

TWI systems are a proven solution for both production and in-service NDT of polymer (CFRP), ceramic (CMC) and glass fiber (GFRP) composites.  In applications ranging from QA of Ox/Ox CMC aero engine parts to post-flight inspection of space vehicles, our systems provide a degree of reliability and sensitivity that is unrivaled.
  • Impact Damage
  • Delaminations
  • Water Ingress
  • FOD Detection
  • Thickness Measurement
  • Porosity
  • Disbonds
  • Repair Validation

IGT / Aero Blades and Vanes

Leading OEMs rely on TWI systems for NDT and QA in manufacturing, rework and maintenance. We’ve provided solutions to leading OEMs ranging from sealed, handheld, backpack systems for coating inspection in adverse conditions, to fully automated cooling hole blockage detection systems. How can we help you?
  • Wall and Coating Thickness
  • Structural Integrity
  • Hole Blockage
  • Disbonds
  • Adhesion
  • Cracks
  • Corrosion

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.