A New Fuzzy Geometrical Approach to Classify Defects in Composite Materials

Abstract

It is well known that in the Non Destructive Testing/Evaluation (NDT/E) context, Ultrasonic Echoes (UEs) and Tests (UTs) are intensively exploited to identify and characterize defects in the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). This paper examines the localization and the classification of defects in this material from a fuzzy geometrical point of view. In particular, starting from an experimental campaign of measurements carried out in our Lab (Laboratory of Electrical Engineering & Non-Destructive Tests and Evaluations, “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria), fuzzy subsethood calculus is taken into account to translate the characterization of a defect in CFRP into a sort of “fuzzy distance” among UEs. Finally, the floor is open for any questions related to the comparison with a higher computational complexity heuristic technique.