Acoustic Imaging of Microstructures of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminates

Abstract

The properties and homogeneity of a composite laminate are strongly dependent on structures and microstructures in it. The investigations have shown that the microstructures of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates can be visualized by means of acoustic imaging techniques. The frequency of ultrasonic wave to be used is up to 50MHz. The composite laminates to be investigated include unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates, bi-directional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates and carbon fiber woven composite laminates. Very useful quantitative information about inside structures of the composites can be visualized in plan-section of the laminates in the depth directions by ultrasonic T-scan imaging technique. Typical results have been represented in this article.