Infrared Thermography and X-Ray Tomography for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Micro-defects in CFRP

Abstract

In this paper, the authors use infrared thermography and X-Ray Tomography to inspect micro-porosities (diameter 0.2mm to 2mm). By using a micro-lens (1X) and laser line thermography scanning technique (LLT), the authors define a micro-infrared thermography technique and successfully inspect massive micro-porosities of 3D CFRP. In addition, the authors use high resolution (20 microns) X-Ray tomography to inspect the same 3D carbon fiber sample. As a result, a comparative research between micro-infrared thermography and high resolution X-Ray tomography is conducted along with the corresponding conclusion. At the same time, the sizes of the micro-porosities that can be detected are also summarized following detailed investigation (hundreds of inspections) respectively using micro-infrared thermography and high resolution X-Ray Tomography.