Given the multi-layered, anisotropic nature of these materials, flaws like cracks, porosity and foreign bodies can occur on the surface or within a particular layer of fiber or resin with no predictable orientation. Delamination defects can propagate quickly, especially in components where a laminate is loaded through the thickness. There may be little or no warning between the points of fatigue and catastrophic failure, which is of critical importance in aerospace and other industries that value the strength-to-weight ratio of composites.
As NDT technologies evolve, ultrasound has proven to be an effective way to determine the depth and size of flaws in composite materials.
Read the full article at Composites World.
Image:
A scanner ensures that ultrasonic probes stay properly aligned as they move over the surface of the inspection area. Scanners with motorized actuator arms, suction cups and adjustable, flexible tracks are ideal for ultrasonic inspections of large surface areas with complex geometries. Photo Credit Zetec Inc.
