Abstract
This paper presents a photoacoustic non-destructive evaluation (pNDE) system with an ultrahigh resolution for the detection of multi-scale damage in carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. The pNDE system consists of three main components: a picosecond pulsed laser-based ultrasonic actuator, an ultrasound receiver, and a data acquisition/computing subsystem. During the operation, high-frequency ultrasound is generated by pulsed laser and recorded by an ultrasound receiver. By implementing a two-dimensional back projection algorithm, pNDE images can be reconstructed from the recorded ultrasound signals to represent the embedded damage. Both potential macroscopic and microscopic damages, such as surface notches and delamination in CFRP, can be identified by examining the reconstructed pNDE images. Three ultrasonic presentation modes including A-scan, B-scan, and C-scan are employed to analyze the recorded signals for the representation of the detected micro-scale damage in two-dimensional and three-dimensional images with a high spatial resolution of up to 60 µm. Macro-scale delamination and transverse ply cracks are clearly visualized, identifying the edges of the damaged area. The results of the study demonstrate that the developed pNDE system provides a non-destructive and robust approach for multi-scale damage detection in composite materials.
Highlights
High-performance carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite materials are well known for their high strength to weight ratio, being light in weight, and resistance to corrosion [1,2].aging-related damage and low-velocity impact damage in composites, such as fatigue cracks and delamination, can significantly reduce their structural integrity and durability
We developed a picosecond pulsed laser-induced photoacoustic non-destructive evaluation system for the detection of multi-scale damage in CFRP composites using a picosecond pulsed laser and high-frequency ultrasound transducer
Compared to the typical laser-induced ultrasound system [44,45], the implementation of the 7 picosecond pulsed laser can produce an increase in photoacoustic signal conversion efficiency, which will lead to improved detection sensitivity
Summary
High-performance carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite materials are well known for their high strength to weight ratio, being light in weight, and resistance to corrosion [1,2]. Aging-related damage and low-velocity impact damage in composites, such as fatigue cracks and delamination, can significantly reduce their structural integrity and durability. Manufacturing imperfections can result in embedded defects, including voids, cracks, and inclusions [3,4]. Location, and properties of embedded defects in composites are generally unknown and difficult to detect, there is an urgent need to develop new non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies to help assess the quality of composite products and to help provide accurate inspections throughout a composite’s service life.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
