Qualitative comparison of non-destructive methods for inspection of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates

Rus J, Gustschin A, Mooshofer H, Grager JC, Bente K, Gaal M, Pfeiffer F, Grosse CU (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Journal of Composite Materials

Book Volume: 54

Pages Range: 4325-4337

Journal Issue: 27

DOI: 10.1177/0021998320931162

Abstract

In the rapidly expanding composite industry, novel inspection methods have been developed in recent years. Particularly promising for air-coupled testing are cellular polypropylene transducers which offer better impedance matching to air than piezoelectric transducers. Furthermore, broadband transmitters (laser-induced ultrasound and thermoacoustic emitters) and receivers (optical microphones) have opened a completely new chapter for advanced contact-free ultrasound inspection. X-ray dark-field radiography offers a different approach to detect porosity and microcracks, employing small angle X-ray scattering. These innovative ultrasonic and radiographic alternatives were evaluated in comparison with well-established inspection techniques. We applied thirteen different non-destructive methods to inspect the same specimen (a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminate with induced impact damage): air-coupled ultrasound testing (using piezoelectric transducers, broadband optical microphones, cellular polypropylene transducers, and a thermoacoustic emitter), laser-induced ultrasound testing, ultrasonic immersion testing, phased array ultrasonic testing, optically excited lock-in thermography, and X-ray radiography (projectional absorption and dark-field, tomosynthesis, and micro-computed tomography). The inspection methods were qualitatively characterized by comparing the scan results. The conclusions are advantageous for a decision on the optimal method for certain testing constraints.

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Rus, J., Gustschin, A., Mooshofer, H., Grager, J.-C., Bente, K., Gaal, M.,... Grosse, C.U. (2020). Qualitative comparison of non-destructive methods for inspection of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates. Journal of Composite Materials, 54(27), 4325-4337. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998320931162

MLA:

Rus, Janez, et al. "Qualitative comparison of non-destructive methods for inspection of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates." Journal of Composite Materials 54.27 (2020): 4325-4337.

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