NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIALS USING A CAPACITANCE BRIDGE

摘要

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites are used in many applications due to their uniqueness, and the ability to tailor specific properties to satisfy necessary requirements. Like many other materials, composites are susceptible to defects, which may significantly degrade their physical properties. Hence, fiber-reinforced polymeric composites should be tested both prior and during the life of the part to ensure that defects are either not present, or are not severe enough to compromise the integrity and performance of the materials. Composites, however, present a unique challenge to non-destructive testing because of their non-homogenous structure, and the wide variety of materials that are used in the manufacturing process. This study deals with the non-destructive testing of glass fiber reinforced composite materials using a capacitance bridge. The major advantage of using this method is that we can simultaneously determine voids, cracks and moisture uptake, which may occur during manufacturing and the usage of the composites.