Thermographic Technology Development for Real-Time Fault Detection

High resolution infrared (IR) thermal imaging technologies have a proven ability to detect faults and pre-fault conditions in machinery and structures. Through many hours of video and digital analysis and documentation, Thresholds Unlimited, Inc. has established that observation and analysis of thermal patterns (in real time) can provide go/no-go checks and can simplify the condition monitoring process while providing diagnosis of machinery and structural members while the vehicle systems are in operation. This technique holds great promise for reducing false fault identifications and improving condition monitoring activities throughout the Navy. The cost of maintaining aging fleets of air, sea, and land vehicles can be reduced using thermography and other conditions based monitoring techniques. This process will significantly reduce personnel risk and costs with aging systems.