In situ ultrasound visualization of processes of micromechanical destruction in the volume of reinforced composites

Abstract

We present the novel experimental equipment for solutions to a fundamental problem in the field of composites fracture under mechanical loads. The method is based on a real-time high-resolution ultrasound observation of microstructure changes in the volume of materials under tension. Here, the results of the study of micromechanical behavior in carbon fiber reinforced composites with stacking sequences of [90°/45°/–45°/90°] are presented. Ultrasound visualization was carried out with a controlled stepwise increase in the deformation of the loaded specimens. The specimen holds the upload deformation under the ultrasound scanning. This approach makes it possible to visualize in dynamics the processes of appearance, growth and transformation of microstructural damages in the volume of materials, with a resolution of several microns.