This paper, Ultrasound Responses and Non-Destructive Testing for Open-Mold Glass Reinforced Thermosets, was presented at CAMX 2015.
Geoffrey E. Clarkson, P.Eng., FEC
UTComp Inc
Cambridge, ON, Canada
Abstract
Ultrasound is the most common non-destructive technique used for evaluation of composite materials. It is normally used by following techniques developed for metals and is focused on time-of-flight of the ultrasonic pulse. Glass reinforced thermoset composites have inherent variation that is the result of several factors, including reinforcement content and distribution, voids, resin cure, additives, and manufacturing conditions. Some of the variations can be magnified by exposure to service conditions. In many cases, composites are qualified for use by subjecting samples to destructive tests and applying the principles of statistical process control to accept or reject a production lot. This paper discusses how ultrasonic and destructive testing information from composite samples has been evaluated to show the comparative variation of the non-destructive results compared to the destructive results. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential for use of ultrasound in quality control during composite manufacture.