Methodology of measurement of steel ropes by infrared technology

Infrared thermography is defined as the collection, display, storage, and evaluation of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum using an electronic display device. Heat transfer is important in this case. The way heat is distributed can be by conduction, convection, or radiation. Infrared thermography is also used in the field of non-destructive testing (NDT) of technical elements. The article describes the methodology of measuring steel ropes. The dependence between temperature increase and increase in force was recorded by means of a thermal imaging camera. Individual results were displayed in form of thermograms, histograms and graphs of the temperature dependance on the load force of a sample of steel ropes. Based on these measurements, conclusions were drawn about the use of this method. Within the research it was identified an average limit of 43.01% of the minimum load capacity of the steel rope, when the temperature begins to rise, which can be monitored by a thermo-camera. It has been confirmed that the mounting of the thermo-camera affects the accuracy of the measurement. Based on the research results, it is possible to state the suitability of the infrared thermography method for the field of failure analysis of steel ropes.