Non-destructive testing of tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) by pulsed thermography

Abstract

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are of great importance thanks to their high energetic efficiency and cleanliness, the defects of production or those generated during use, reduces the energetic efficiency. The detection of defects within a structure of a tubular SOFC is realizable by the follow-up of the surface temperature during the application of a uniform heat flux on the external surface of the cell. Each defect appears at a moment that allows indicating qualitatively its position and depth in the structure. Delamination defect appear under a low heat flux while cracks require an important heat flux.