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1.1 Purpose—This practice covers procedures required to conduct an examination of components using vibroacoustic thermography.

1.2 Application—The vibroacoustic thermography process has been used for component inspections in the aircraft, power generation, automotive, and other industries for testing new and serviced components, both coated and uncoated. Current applications are mostly targeting metallic components, but composite and ceramic component applications are under development (1).2

1.3 Background—Vibroacoustic thermography is an active thermography technique that falls under the category of Infrared Thermography Testing (IRT). The technique was first published by Henneke, et al. in 1979 (2) and has been expanded on and popularized by Favro, et al. (3). During the test, a defect thermal response resulting from a short burst of ultrasonic energy typically in the range of 15 kHz to 40 kHz is detected by an infrared camera. The ultrasound coupled into the component being tested can activate a thermal response in defects with contact areas that can move against each other, that is, cracks and delamination. There are different energizing and coupling techniques that are commonly used depending on the needs and capabilities. These variations and the down selection process are not included in the procedure and should be developed/optimized by experimentation for each new component application.

1.4 Warnings: 

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.