Hydrogen-fire detection using thermal imaging and its application to space launch vehicles

Brian M. Harper; Tim D. Norman; Denny R. Exley

doi:10.1117/12.21955

1 March 1990 Hydrogen-fire detection using thermal imaging and its application to space launch vehicles

Brian M. Harper, Tim D. Norman, Denny R. Exley

Proceedings Volume 1313, Thermosense XII: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21955
Event: 1990 Technical Symposium on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1990, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Hydrogen fires emit very little radiation in the visible band, indeed in daylight they are effectively invisible. This is a serious safety hazard particularly in the aerospace field where hydrogen is widely used as a rocket propellent. A practical imaging system has been developed to detect the non-visible radiation that these fires do give off. The emission spectrum,atmospheric transmission, background emission and reflection have been quantified under various conditions. This shows thermal wavelengths are well suited for this application. A low cost, uncooled, staring array TV compatible thermal imager has been optimised for this. The resultant image is 'punched through' to super-impose the flame on a bore-sighted visual TV image. Finally the integration of this equipment into the sophisticated C.C.T.V. observation system on the N.A.S.A. space shuttle launch pad is discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Brian M. Harper, Tim D. Norman, and Denny R. Exley "Hydrogen-fire detection using thermal imaging and its application to space launch vehicles", Proc. SPIE 1313, Thermosense XII: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications, (1 March 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21955

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