Ultrasonic Ply-by-Ply Detection of Matrix Cracks in Laminated Composites

摘要

In the design of cryogenic fuel tanks for the next generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs), permeability of cryogenic fuels across the thickness of the tank is a critical issue. In this context, the detection of matrix cracks and their connectivity takes on an unprecedented significance. In this work we develop an ultrasonic backscattering technique for the detection of matrix cracks in each of the plies of a damaged graphite/epoxy laminated composite.