Crack detection in high-pressure turbine blades with flying spot active thermography in the SWIR range

High pressure turbine blades undergo heavy thermomechanical constraints which drive initiation and propagation of cracks. These cracks can be difficult to detect with the current control equipments. The aim of this study is to develop an active thermography process called flying spot (scanning laser heating) in the 1-2 μm range to inspect the blades. This work is funded by the French Ministry of Defense, DGA through the PhD scholarship program and the contract 2010.60.018.