Nondestructive evaluation of carbon fibre reinforced composites with infrared thermography and ultrasonics

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.08.119
• Publication Date: 2015-09-04T02:00:04Z
• Authors: C. Meola; S. Boccardi; G.M. Carlomagno; N.D. Boffa; E. Monaco; F. Ricci
• Keywords: Online monitoring; 0205 materials engineering; Phased array ultrasonic; Non-destructive testing; Infrared thermography; Composites; Impact tests; Non-destructive testing; Infrared thermography; Phased array ultrasonic; Online monitoring; 02 engineering and technology; Impact tests; Composites

Abstract Infrared thermography and phased array ultrasonic are used to detect defects and impact damage in carbon fibre reinforced composites. Apart from its use as non-destructive evaluation technique, infrared thermography is also employed to record a video during the impact event. The visualization of thermal signatures, caused by local dissipation of impact energy, allows gaining information which is useful for understanding the material response to impact. In particular, the two techniques allow for estimation, in a reliable way, of the overall delamination extension which is of utmost importance for material design purposes.