Surface breaking crack detection algorithm for flying spot and line thermography based on the Canny approach

In this work we introduce an algorithm based on the well-known Canny approach for effectual crack detection in thermographic films obtained using flying spot thermography (FST) or flying line thermography (FLT). The proposed algorithm performs faster than another algorithm, for crack detection, based on the application of two Sobel filters (one in x and another one in y directions). For FLT it is shown that processing 10-25 % of the thermograms of a thermographic film required to scan a whole sample is enough to obtain good results. In contrast, using the Sobel filter approach requires the processing of twice the thermographic film length. Experimental measurements are performed on a metallic component of complex shape which contains real defects, that is, surface breaking cracks due to industrial use. The specimen is tested using flying line thermography. Three different scanning speeds are tested: 10, 30 and 60 mms with laser powers of 50, 60 and 120 W respectively. The sample and an infrared camera are aligned and fixed on a motorized linear stage. The diode laser LDM500 (500 W max power) is fixed on an optical bench separately from the linear stage. The results obtained with the proposed algorithm are additionally compared with a previously established algorithm for flying spot thermography based on the Sobel filter. It is shown that the proposed algorithm based on the Canny approach, can be used in automated systems for thermographic non-destructive testing.