[5A1] Non-destructive inspection methods for the identification of impact damage to the edges of CFRP composite stiffeners using extensional ultrasonic edge waves
J Chu and C Courtney
University of Bath, UK
Composite aerospace structures are composed of thin components containing features such as free edges, welds and ribs, which makes in-service safety inspection based on guided waves difficult due to complex geometry and wave scattering. In-plane impacts on the free edge can induce severe subsurface delamination, thus a cost-effective and reliable damage detection method is important for monitoring the structural state condition. Extensional ultrasonic edge waves are guided waves that can propagate along the edges of thin structures over several metres without significant decay, which is encouraging for potential practical use.
This paper presents the inspection methods for identifying impact damage to the edges of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite stiffeners, using extensional ultrasonic edge waves. Tuned piezoelectric transducers are attached to the free edge for monitoring the responses of the edges of the CFRP composite stiffeners from a section of an aircraft wing panel. Experimentation and simulated models are performed by applying these techniques to inspect the extent of defect on various thickness of composite stiffeners with unknown layup sequences. Experimental measurements are evaluated to identify and locate on-edge impact damage in composite stiffeners. It is demonstrated that the extensional edge waves can be effectively utilised in industrial applications.
This paper presents the inspection methods for identifying impact damage to the edges of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite stiffeners, using extensional ultrasonic edge waves. Tuned piezoelectric transducers are attached to the free edge for monitoring the responses of the edges of the CFRP composite stiffeners from a section of an aircraft wing panel. Experimentation and simulated models are performed by applying these techniques to inspect the extent of defect on various thickness of composite stiffeners with unknown layup sequences. Experimental measurements are evaluated to identify and locate on-edge impact damage in composite stiffeners. It is demonstrated that the extensional edge waves can be effectively utilised in industrial applications.
