Year
2012
Abstract
We report on an investigation of the suitability of commercially available flash thermography inspection technology to support nuclear safeguards and other inspection applications. We determined that flash thermography is a field-capable technology for establishing the physical integrity of a variety of equipment and structures. Several architectural element samples (tile, concrete, metal plate) were prepared with relevant concealed tampers. Various surface treatments were tested for tamper detection performance, ease of use, and application uniformity. The inspection system was ruggedized and reconfigured into field deployment cases, and laboratory and field inspection activities were conducted in preparation for a large-scale field evaluation later in 2012. Additional tests have been planned for this summer at the Nevada National Security Site. Flash thermography is a broadly applicable method for rapid physical authentication suitable for a wide variety of materials and surfaces varying in complexity, composition, and size.