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An ultrasonic‐acoustic technique for nondestructive evaluation of fiber composite quality
Author(s) -
Vary Alex,
Bowles Kenneth J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760190509
Subject(s) - materials science , ultrasonic sensor , nondestructive testing , acoustics , composite number , measure (data warehouse) , composite material , ultrasonic testing , computer science , physics , quantum mechanics , database
This report describes an ultrasonic‐acoustic technique used to measure a “stress wave factor” in order to nondestructively assess the quality of composite structures. In a prior study this factor was found effective in evaluating the interlaminar shear strength of fiber‐reinforced composites. Details of the method used to measure the stress wave factor are described. In addition, frequency spectra of the stress waves are analyzed in order to indicate the nature of the wave phenomena involved. The stress wave factor can be measured with simple contact probes requiring only one‐side access to a part. This is beneficial in nondestructive evaluations because the waves can run parallel to fiber directions and thus, in many cases, measure material properties in directions assumed by actual loads. Moreover, the technique can be applied where conventional through transmission techniques are impractical or where more quantitative data are required. The stress wave factor was measured for a series of graphite polyimide composite panels and results obtained are compared with through transmission immersion ultrasonic scans.