Nondestructive evaluation of GFRP composite including multi-delamination using THz spectroscopy and imaging

Abstract

We utilize a fiber-coupled terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDS) based on photoconductive antennas to visualize multi-delamination and their thickness in a glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite plate. We simulate a hidden multi-delamination by inserting a Teflon film in the GFRP composite plate that is fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Reflected or transmitted terahertz (THz) waves are recorded from GFRP samples mounted on the x–y linear motorized stage during the investigation. The x–y linear motorized stage is driven in steps of 0.2 mm, thereby allowing us to scan the sample. We examine and compare the performances of the THz time-domain visualization (TTV) and THz frequency-domain visualization (TFV) algorithms to evaluate their characteristics for the visualization of defects. The thickness of the GFRP sample and multi-delamination is estimated using the reflection geometry method. Finally, we confirm that the hidden multi-delamination of the GFRP sample has been successfully visualized in the B- and C-scans. In addition, the thicknesses of the GFRP sample and the simulated delamination as compared with the experimental values exhibit a close consistency.