Thermosonics: electrostatic transducer based air-coupled ultrasonics and thermography for NDE of carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials

R. L. Watson; D. R. Billson; D. A. Hutchins; F. Ciampa

doi:10.1117/12.2612820

18 April 2022 Thermosonics: electrostatic transducer based air-coupled ultrasonics and thermography for NDE of carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials

R. L. Watson, D. R. Billson, D. A. Hutchins, F. Ciampa

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12047, Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Civil Infrastructure, and Transportation XVI; 1204704 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2612820
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2022, Long Beach, California, United States

Abstract

Custom made electrostatic transducers were used for ultrasonic investigations of damaged CFRP. These investigations resulted in identification of non-linear ultrasonic responses due to the presence of damage. The broadband nature of electrostatic transducers is essential for this work to scan a wide range of frequencies to identify non-linear responses. These non-linear response frequencies were used with an electrostatic transducer to induce thermosonic heating at the damage which was measured with an IR camera. The use of non-linear response frequencies reduces the power required to produce thermosonic heating. Travelling guided waves (Lamb waves) allow excitation of the damage at a distance from the excitation source allowing large samples to be studied. This provides a completely non-contact measurement for NDE which shows promise for future composite inspection systems.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

R. L. Watson, D. R. Billson, D. A. Hutchins, and F. Ciampa "Thermosonics: electrostatic transducer based air-coupled ultrasonics and thermography for NDE of carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials", Proc. SPIE 12047, Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Civil Infrastructure, and Transportation XVI, 1204704 (18 April 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2612820

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