D2D: A robust technique for detection of structural heterogeneities in solids, based on transient thermography

A sensitive aspect of thermal techniques is represented by the very nature of the involved (thermal) stimulus. It is very easy in effect to encounter parasitic (unwanted) heat sources in a thermal measurement, which at the end contribute to worsten the signal to noise ratio. This means that applying thermal techniques in field environment is far more difficult than in environments where heat sources are well under control (typical laboratory environment). Special techniques have to be used in such situations to eliminate the parasitic sources effects in order to ensure the repeatability of the measurement, that is the capability of the technique to yield the same results from the same specimen in different working conditions, or in other words making the technique practically usable.