Overview
ISO 10878:2013 - "Non‑destructive testing - Infrared thermography - Vocabulary" is an international vocabulary standard that defines the terminology used in infrared thermography for non‑destructive testing (NDT). The standard compiles precise terms, definitions, notes and examples to establish a common basis for general use across industry, research and education. Its structure includes a foreword, introduction, scope, a comprehensive terms and definitions section, bibliography and an alphabetical index.
Key Topics
ISO 10878:2013 covers foundational concepts and measurement-related vocabulary used in thermal imaging and infrared NDT, including:
- Fundamental optical and radiative terms: absorptivity/absorptance, blackbody, radiance, emittance, atmospheric window.
- Instrument and sensor terms: infrared camera (IRT camera), imaging radiometer, focal plane array (FPA), cooled sensor, detector, field of view (FOV), instantaneous field of view (IFOV).
- Measurement conditions and corrections: ambient temperature, ambient operating range, ambient temperature compensation, effective emissivity, reflected apparent temperature.
- Operational and image concepts: active thermography, anomalous thermal image, image processing, frame time and repetition rate, fixed pattern noise.
- Practical measurement considerations: angular subtense, area effect, attenuating medium, anti‑reflectance coating, environmental rating.
The standard also references related vocabulary and normative sources (for example, ISO 18434‑1 and ISO 80000‑7 are cited in context).
Applications
ISO 10878:2013 is a reference tool used wherever consistent terminology for infrared thermography is required:
- Standardizing reports and procedures for thermal NDT inspections (composites, electrical systems, building diagnostics).
- Supporting instrument manufacturers and calibration laboratories to describe performance, environmental ratings and measurement conditions.
- Guiding technical documentation, training curricula and certification materials for thermographers and NDT technicians.
- Enabling clearer communication across multidisciplinary teams (engineering, maintenance, R&D) and regulatory or quality systems.
Using consistent vocabulary improves accuracy in interpretation of thermograms, repeatability of inspections, specification of instruments and compliance with NDT quality programs.
Who uses this standard
Typical users include:
- NDT engineers and certified thermographers
- Infrared camera and sensor manufacturers
- Calibration laboratories and test houses
- Research institutions and educators
- Asset‑management and maintenance teams
Related standards
- ISO 18434‑1 (referenced for apparent temperature terminology)
- ISO 80000‑7 (related to radiometric quantities)
- Documents and committees: prepared by ISO/TC 135 (NDT), Subcommittee SC 8 (Infrared thermography)
Keywords: ISO 10878:2013, infrared thermography, NDT vocabulary, emissivity, blackbody, thermal imaging, infrared camera, non‑destructive testing.
