Abstract
X-ray computed tomography provides qualitative and quantitative structural and compositional information for a broad range of materials. Yet, its contribution to the field of advanced composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers is still limited by factors such as low imaging contrast, due to scarce X-ray attenuation features. This article, through a review of the state of the art, followed by an example case study on Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of low X-ray absorptive dry and prepreg carbon woven fabric composites, aims to highlight and address some challenges as well as best practices on performing scans that can capture key features of the material. In the case study, utilizing an Xradia Micro-CT-400, important aspects such as obtaining sufficient contrast, an examination of thin samples, sample size/resolution issues, and image-based modeling are discussed. The outcome of an optimized workflow in Micro-CT of composite fabrics can assist in further research efforts such as the generation of surface or volume meshes for the numerical modeling of underlying deformation mechanisms during their manufacturing processes.
Highlights
Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) is becoming increasingly important among the non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques available for industrial applications, where the three-dimensional (3D) nature of the material is important, or where the evolution of critical features is of interest, either during manufacturing or in-service conditions [1]
In the absorption-based imaging of Micro-CT scanning processes, contrast is generated based upon differences in X-ray attenuation of materials, which is mainly associated with density [9]
Here the Micro-CT workflows were tested on two types of samples: a dry woven carbon fabric and a prepreg woven fabric (Table 1)
Summary
Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) is becoming increasingly important among the non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques available for industrial applications, where the three-dimensional (3D) nature of the material is important, or where the evolution of critical features is of interest, either during manufacturing or in-service conditions [1]. Images of the specimen edge are obtained utilizing an optical or scanning electron microscope (SEM) by progressively removing small depth of edge material which allows the capture of a series of sectional micrographs. These images can be reconstructed to display the yarn architectures. Micro-computed tomography, is an alternative method for this process It has the benefit of being non-destructive and allows a large amount of the internal geometric features to be captured with a single scan. Fibrous composite materials such as woven fabrics are more prone to these unintended in-plane or out-of-plane translations and need to be immobilized during the scan [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
