What can I do with an infrared camera?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on creative applications of the FLIR C2 infrared camera, particularly for educational demonstrations in a physics context. Users suggest various experiments, including using the camera to visualize i²R heating in resistors, identifying nodes and anti-nodes in a heated chocolate bar, and troubleshooting electrical components by detecting heat signatures. Additional ideas include assessing temperature differences in painted and polished metals, and using the camera to observe IR remote control signals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including i²R heating.
  • Familiarity with thermography and its applications in physics.
  • Knowledge of emissivity and its effect on thermal readings.
  • Experience with infrared technology and its wavelength ranges, specifically 8-12 µm.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced thermography techniques using the FLIR C2 camera.
  • Research emissivity correction methods for accurate thermal measurements.
  • Learn about the applications of infrared cameras in electrical troubleshooting.
  • Investigate the physics of heat transfer and thermal imaging in practical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, electronics engineers, and anyone interested in utilizing infrared technology for educational demonstrations and troubleshooting applications.

Taulant Sholla
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I just inherited an infrared camera (https://www.flir.com/products/c2/). Other than taking entertaining thermographs (cold ice cube in a warm hand, etc.), can you recommend some clever demonstrations I could show to my fellow calc-based physics students?

The best I came up with is taking a picture of a resistor to show i2R heating as part of our unit on circuits

Then a friend suggested heating a large chocolate bar in a microwave for a few moments, then take a thermograph to identifying the nodes/anti-nodes, and calculating the speed of light. This seems like a fantastic idea!

Do you have any others?
 
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Does it take video too? If so, you can see the IR Remote Control signal if you point it at the camera and press buttons. (you can also see that on many smartphone cameras, but less bright)

If you have access to some open circuit boards that are running, you can see which components are the hottest. We use a FLIR camera for that purpose here in our electronics R&D Lab. :smile:
 
Taulant Sholla said:
I just inherited an infrared camera (https://www.flir.com/products/c2/). Other than taking entertaining thermographs (cold ice cube in a warm hand, etc.), can you recommend some clever demonstrations I could show to my fellow calc-based physics students?

The best I came up with is taking a picture of a resistor to show i2R heating as part of our unit on circuits

Then a friend suggested heating a large chocolate bar in a microwave for a few moments, then take a thermograph to identifying the nodes/anti-nodes, and calculating the speed of light. This seems like a fantastic idea!

Do you have any others?

Cool- it uses the 8-12 um range (LWIR). That's best for 'anthropocentric' hot things- the range of temperatures that we can generally tolerate. Have fun playing around with this!

Here's something to try- I believe a thin sheet of plastic (like a viewgraph) is opaque to this range of wavelengths; you can 'hide' behind one! Likewise, I believe you could 'see' through smoke; try viewing through a smoky BBQ.

DO NOT point it at the sun! DO NOT try and view a CO2 laser!

You could probably walk through a parking lot and determine which cars arrived most recently.

On the 'science' side, leave an assortment of painted, rusted, and polished metal 'coupons' in the sun and after they warm up, see what the camera tells you: the surface paint/polish/rust/etc. changes the emissivity, which will negate the camera calibration (that's the 'emissivity correction' function). The metal parts will seem to have different temperatures optically, but they will have the same temperatures when measured with a thermocouple.
 
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These sound *great* Andy - thank you!
 
If the temperature range is adequate, thermographs are great for troubleshooting.
  • Heating/cooling leaks in houses.
  • Worn bearings on electric motors or wheel bearings on cars.
  • Tire tread temperatures on auto or bicycle tires after a trip.
  • A high resistance junction in any electric circuit inside or outside.
  • Physics demo, sandpaper on wood.
  • Grab a mug with cold or warm water. See if it leaves a hand print for a short time. Will the other hand look the same as the one grabbing?
You could make a very long list.
 
anorlunda said:
If the temperature range is adequate, thermographs are great for troubleshooting.
  • Heating/cooling leaks in houses.
  • Worn bearings on electric motors or wheel bearings on cars.
  • Tire tread temperatures on auto or bicycle tires after a trip.
  • A high resistance junction in any electric circuit inside or outside.
  • Physics demo, sandpaper on wood.
  • Grab a mug with cold or warm water. See if it leaves a hand print for a short time. Will the other hand look the same as the one grabbing?
You could make a very long list.
Thanks for these suggestions!
 
berkeman said:
Does it take video too? If so, you can see the IR Remote Control signal if you point it at the camera and press buttons. (you can also see that on many smartphone cameras, but less bright)

If you have access to some open circuit boards that are running, you can see which components are the hottest. We use a FLIR camera for that purpose here in our electronics R&D Lab. :smile:
Great ideas, thank you!
 

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