Fiber orientation quantification utilizing X-ray micro-computed tomography

It is well known that the mechanical performance of composite materials is highly dependent on the fiber orientation. Several techniques have historically been used to quantify fiber orientation experimentally. Newer methods have involved 3 D X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans due to the high resolution that is now achievable within a laboratory setting. The accuracy of the analysis, however, is a function of the resulting scan image quality and the specific parameters influencing the resulting orientation analysis. This report summarizes a methodology to quantify fiber orientation from 3 D CT scans. Optimal scanning parameters are presented taking into account both the necessary resolution, geometric unsharpness, and the scan volume size. The influence of varied software analysis parameters and their effects on the resulting orientation data is discussed. The selection of software analysis parameters was independently validated with optical microscopy on a sample with only two fibers. Lastly, the orientation analysis was applied to a 0/+45/−45/90 composite to demonstrate this technique on a larger scale.