I have just returned from a Level II Infrared Thermography certification course from the Infrared Training Center. We had purchased a $60k FLIR P-60 camera and I have been using it in my work for the DoD. I have been experimenting with it “on the side” and it is a fascinating piece of technology. This very sophisticated instrument “detects the radiation produced by temperature differentials” and is VERY SENSITIVE. It does not “see” any visible light. The P-60 can make precise temperature measurements, without contact, from inches to fifty feet away (or more) and record a large amount of digital images with radiometric data for each image.

Causal conservation during the course revealed that the instructor drag races a supercharged Buick and has utilized his infrared expertise to improve his vehicle’s performance. He has shot various engine components with a P-60 and made appropriate modifications attempting to isolate high-heat sources. He had infrared images of before and after shots of the throttle body with a non-metallic spacer he was experimenting with. Temperature of the throttle body was reduced several degrees due to convection isolation but not radiated energy. This translated into increased horsepower, lower ET’s and higher top-end.

He has approached a couple of after-market performance manufacturers with some of his data and they wanted to know if he worked for NASA. This type of instrument is well suited for this application and I can see its use expanded in the future. However, the cost of the instrument is prohibitive at this time except to folks than can afford to pay big bucks for scientific heat signature analysis.

Skyhawk