Termograafiat

Termograafiat, known in English as thermography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that records infrared radiation emitted by objects and converts it into a temperature map called a thermogram. An infrared camera detects wavelengths in the thermal region of the spectrum, and since all bodies emit infrared radiation proportional to their temperature, the thermogram shows surface temperature distributions. There are two main approaches: passive thermography, which uses natural surface temperatures, and active thermography, which applies a heat or cooling stimulus to enhance thermal contrast.

Accuracy depends on several factors, including the emissivity of the observed surface, distance and angle of viewing, reflective surroundings, and environmental conditions such as wind and humidity. Proper calibration, temperature references, and post-processing are often required to interpret thermograms reliably.

Applications span multiple fields. In industry, thermography is used for electrical and mechanical inspections, bearing and motor monitoring, and insulation testing. In buildings, it aids energy audits by identifying heat losses, thermal bridges, and moisture-related problems. In medicine and veterinary science, thermography is used as an adjunct tool to assess perfusion and inflammation, but it is not generally a stand-alone diagnostic method. It is also employed in research, material science, and non-destructive testing, as well as archaeology and art conservation.

Advantages include non-contact operation, rapid screening, and the ability to cover large areas. Limitations involve the dependence on surface conditions and environment, the need for expert interpretation, and the fact that thermography often reveals surface temperature patterns rather than definitive internal diagnoses. In medical contexts, regulatory and evidence-based considerations limit its diagnostic role.