Faults detected through infrared thermography may lead to the application of which other inspection technique?

Using infrared thermography as an inspection technique is valuable because it allows for the detection of heat anomalies that can indicate faults in electrical and mechanical systems. When faults are identified through thermal imaging, ultrasound testing becomes a natural next step in the inspection process.

Ultrasound testing is particularly effective in locating problems such as electrical arcing or insulation breakdowns that might not be visible to the naked eye and could correlate with temperature anomalies observed through infrared thermography. By measuring sound waves, ultrasound can provide information on changes in material integrity or behavior that were initially indicated by temperature variances.

In contrast, while visual inspection, electrical audits, and vibration analysis are all useful in various contexts, they do not directly follow from the specific indication of thermal anomalies detected in infrared thermography. Visual inspections typically rely on visible signs of wear or failure, electrical audits are focused on evaluating the complete electrical efficiency and system performance rather than fault diagnosis, and vibration analysis is used primarily to assess mechanical integrity and rotor dynamics, which are somewhat distinct from thermal performance issues.

Therefore, following up infrared thermography with ultrasound testing enhances the reliability of the inspection process by targeting potential issues that infrared findings suggest.