Ultrasonic Inspection of a Graphite/Epoxy Structural Member Using a Thickness-Imaging Device

摘要

Structural members, serving as models of a foil support strut for hydrofoil craft, have been built using graphite/epoxy material. A nondestructive evaluation (NDE) test is required to measure delamination (ply separation) as well as delamination growth which may occur during the structural fatigue testing cycle. This report describes the results of the first test sequence, using a ultrasonic thickness imaging instrument to accomplish the required NDE. These results support the contention that the ultrasonic thickness imaging device may be used to measure delamination growth in graphite/epoxy composites. (Author)