Inspection of Surface Damage in Composite Materials with Different Techniques

Abstract

Due to their excellent physical properties and high strength and stiffness relative to density, aerospace industry research is producing high-performance structural materials, such as composites, which are used in many critical structural parts like airframes, wings, rotor blades, propellers, and other components. However, during flight, these materials may be damaged by impact, thermal stress, moisture, and ultraviolet radiation. One of the most prevalent issues with composite materials is their challenging nature in terms of flaw detection during both manufacturing and use. When they are employed in the crucial areas that were previously indicated, this becomes a very serious issue. When evaluating the structural integrity of composites and looking for any damage, microscopes are a very useful instrument. Effective methods for identifying and analyzing damage include microscopic procedures like optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning ion microscopy (SIM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A variety of methods may be employed with microscopes to examine and identify deterioration in composite materials. It is often possible to examine overt deterioration on the surface of composite materials under the microscope utilizing a number of different approaches and procedures. Determining the kind, extent, distribution, and impact of the damage requires these inspections. Often employed techniques consist of: SEM is a method for high-resolution imaging of surface damage. It entails shining an electron beam onto the sample's surface and capturing pictures. SEM is a useful tool for identifying erosion, delamination, and microcracks. It is also possible to measure things like the damage's breadth and depth. Optical microscopes have a large field of view and look at damaged regions. This makes it possible to find tiny fractures or cracks that are invisible to the unaided eye. Furthermore, details on the degree of harm, the roughness of the surface, and the breadth and depth of the fractures may be acquired. To see damaged objects, optical microscopy is utilized. Cracks and damage locations are visible with optical microscopy. Optical microscopes can identify different kinds of damage by looking at the surface of the material. Damage like delamination, fiber breakage, cracks, and deformations are a few examples of these. This study examines the efficacy of microscopic methods and non-destructive testing in assessing the different kinds of damage that can occur at the interfaces between holes in composite materials. Composite test materials were chosen from glass fiber reinforced phenolic matrix composites that were produced in compliance with aerospace standards. The measurements led to the conclusion that using microscopic techniques has benefits like speed and field suitability. However, the continuous development and improvement of new methods in this field will contribute to a better understanding of layered composite materials and the development of safer and more durable structures.