Whole-Field Thermal Diffusivity | Intelligent Measurements and Evaluation Laboratory | SIU

This non-destructive photo-thermal technique developed in the Intelligent Measurement and Evaluation Laboratory (IMEL) is applied to measure the Whole-Field thermal diffusivity on the in-plane surface (X and Y direction), or through the thickness (Z direction), of a given material. Experiments are conducted using four halogen linear tubes as the heat source.

The influence on the evaluation of the thermal diffusivity caused by the specific geometry of the materials are also investigated by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling based approach. This will help us to predict the measurement bias and determine the inspection procedure such as estimation of experimental time.  The diffusivity evaluation will be then corrected based on FEA results.

Capability:

1. Data measurement collected through MikroSpec R/T and Matlab
2. 320x240 pixels focal plane at 60 Hz frequency frame rate
3. Temperature Resolution: 0.06 °C at 30 °C, 60 Hz
4. Minimum Resolution: 0.025 inch x 0.025 inch
5. Nominal Shot Size: 8 inch x 6 inch
6. Nominal Capture Duration: 5 to 15 sec. per shot
7. Four halogen bulbs for Illumination Head (4000W or 2000W)
8. Temperature Range -40 °C to 2000 °C
9. Focusing Range of 300 mm to infinity
10. Real-time image recording (1664 images at 60 Hz)

Application:

1. Metals, composites, ceramics, and polymers
2. Carbon/Carbon composites
3. Carbon/Epoxy composites
4. Graphite-epoxy sandwich panels
5. Honeycomb sandwich panels
6. Automotive clutch facings
7. Automotive brake pads
8. Asphalt concrete