Multimodal NDE solution for non-contact TPO weld inspection
A comprehensive, non-contact inspection solution using multimodal NDE techniques to detect delaminations and disbonds in TPO roofing membranes. This system combines pulsed infrared thermography, digital shearography, air-coupled ultrasound, and capacitive imaging for advanced flaw detection.
Overview
This innovative solution offers a multimodal, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) system designed to inspect TPO roofing membranes for delaminations and disbonds. By integrating four distinct techniques—pulsed infrared thermography, digital shearography, air-coupled ultrasound, and capacitive imaging—this system provides a comprehensive, contact-free inspection method. Each technique targets unique physical properties, ensuring thorough flaw detection under various conditions. This approach is poised to revolutionize the inspection of TPO welds by improving accuracy and efficiency.
Technical specifications
- Pulsed Infrared Thermography: Utilizes thermal properties to detect surface and subsurface anomalies.
- Digital Shearography: Examines mechanical responses to identify structural defects.
- Air-Coupled Ultrasound (ACUT): Uses sound waves to probe internal features without requiring contact.
- Capacitive Imaging (CI): Detects dielectric property variations for flaw detection.
- Robotic Scanning and Automated Image Processing: Enhances precision and speed by automating data collection and analysis.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, this solution has been validated in a laboratory environment with controlled test specimens. Future plans include adapting the most effective techniques for field applications, leading to a prototype and potential scalable deployment system.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
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