Software tools for robust extraction, analysis and visualization of porosities in XCT scans of fiber-reinforced polymers

Abstract

Advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber r einforced polymers (CFRPs) play an increasingly important role in aeronautics with regard to efficiency and e conomy but also with regard to function integration and flexibility. In order to non-destructively characte rize CFRP materials and components, 3D X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is increasingly used as a referenc e and escalation method. In this work we are targeting XCT data evaluation f or one of the main challenges regarding quality con trol of CRFPs, which is robust extraction and analysis of p ores in 3D as well as the specimen’s volume porosit y. Pores of CFRPs largely influence the mechanical propertie s of a specimen such as shear strength. Furthermore , their individual characteristics such as shape, position, volume or size, largely determine whether a component meets the required specifications and is therefore able t o fly or whether it needs to be rejected or reworke d. For this purpose we apply and demonstrate a part of the tech nology platform developed within the EU-FP7 QUICOM project ( www.quicom.eu ) dedicated to porosity analysis. The presented too ls encompass robust pore extraction, characterization of pores, pore classification, and advanced pore and porosity visualization methods. The presented techniques are demonstrated and applied on CFRP specimens of the QUICOM consortium. The tools and the generated results are tested and veri fied by an end user. Our findings show that using t he QUICOM technology platform for robust porosity analysis fa cilitates an in-depth-view into the material system which may be integrated into a feedback cycle, in order to co ntrol and fine tune the development of novel, tailo red CFRP components.