Barely visible impact damage detection in CFRP composite using vibrothermography with narrowband sweep excitation

Abstract

The extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite materials in various industries has posed new challenges for conducting effective structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation techniques. Based on local defect resonance (LDR), the vibrothermography with narrowband sweep excitation is proposed to detect BVIDs in the CFRP composite. The response spectrum of displacement at the impact crater was collected by a laser Doppler vibrometer, which was used to determine the frequency range of narrowband sweep excitation. The frequency range was further validated by the analysis of local defect resonance for thermal responses, and the sweep duration was also optimized. Subsequently, the proposed vibrothermography was employed to detect BVIDs with varying severity. The impact damage could be efficiently activated and a significant temperature rise was generated in the defective areas, which enhances the temperature contrast of the thermal images and facilitates the quantification of defects.