ANALYST INSIGHTS: TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN THE NDT OF COMPOSITES

摘要

Composites are being used more and more in the aerospace and automotive manufacturing sectors. The use of composites in these sectors is justified by the fuel savings achieved in developing lighter aircraft and automobiles. In other sectors such as oil and gas, the use of composite pipes and structures in inland and offshore applications are likely to result in cost savings in the installation and maintenance of these composite structures. For instance, research and development efforts in the oil and gas sector have involved the testing of suitability of composite pipelines and structures for various applications. However, there remains hurdles in terms of testing the integrity and reliability of the composites during manufacture and service. Several NDT techniques that were used for testing metal and alloy materials and structures have been applied to composites. However, a universal NDT method that can reliably test the entire range of composite materials for all types of defects has not emerged. Although composite materials can be tested for defects with one of the traditional or nontraditional NDT methods, challenges remain for in-service inspection of composites. Currently, traditional NDT methods such ultrasonics, eddy current, and radiography; and nontraditional methods such as thermography, shearography, and bond testing are being used widely. However, some of these methods are not suitable or reliable for the inspection of composites.