Flash-pulse thermography evaluation of cold spray 316L steel coatings

Abstract

This study investigates the application of infrared (IR) thermography for evaluating thermal-sprayed coatings, focusing on distinguishing coatings subjected to different thermal treatments and varying porosity levels. Experimental thermographic analysis demonstrated the capability of IR thermography to differentiate between coating variants. The Fourier transform method and phase analysis at low frequencies proved remarkably effective. This approach enabled the visualization of areas with differing thicknesses in the thermographic images and facilitated detailed analysis through phase-frequency plots. The results highlight the potential of IR thermography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for characterizing thermal-sprayed coatings, offering insights into their structural and thermal properties. This method holds promise for quality control and optimization in industrial applications involving thermal spray processes