Thermal Imaging Laser Speckle Interferometric Sensor

To address the Air Force need for an accurate, full-field temperature and strain measurement system for turbine airfoils, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Thermal Imaging LAser Speckle Interferometric Sensor (TILASIS). This proposed device is based on the principle of laser speckle interferometry combined with a thermal imaging technique for noncontact full-field measurement of strain and temperature. The innovation in using an infrared laser for full-field laser speckle interferometry, in combination with a thermal imaging camera, will enable us to quantitatively measure and understand the behavior of thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) in turbine engine components under severe thermal and mechanical loads, and to validate a first-principles-based approach for TMF modeling. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of TILASIS by developing a detailed design and performing initial testing by simulation and laboratory validation. In Phase II POC plans to develop, demonstrate, and validate a prototype to accurately measure full-field temperature and strain in thin-walled test specimens.