Lightning strike induced and impact induced delamination investigation using advanced Non-Destructive Testing methods
Topic(s) : Material and Structural Behavior - Simulation & Testing
Co-authors :
Lea LECOINTRE (JAPAN), Yu ZHOU (JAPAN), Tomohiro YOKOZEKI (JAPAN), Shinichi TAKEDA , Mamoru SUYAMA , Naoki HOSOYA (JAPAN)Abstract :
The increasing use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) in aerospace industries is driven by their exceptional mechanical performance combined with relatively low density. However, the susceptibility of CFRPs to delamination is a critical concern, as these defects significantly impact the structural integrity, the performance and the safety of materials. Therefore, researchers and industries are willing to investigate and comprehend delaminations structure, initiation, and propagation.
In this study, various Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods are employed to characterise delaminations generated from two sources: simulated lightning strike tests and low-velocity impact tests. The delaminated specimens are investigated using Lamb Waves propagation, classic Ultrasonic Testing methods like C-scan and A-scan, and Infrared Thermography. This comprehensive approach allows for a quantitative comparison of Lamb Waves propagation in healthy and delaminated regions with other physical parameters, such as thermal characteristics and Decibel (dB) attenuation. Finally, the quantitative data and Lamb Wave signal shapes are compared with actual delamination structures.
This research identifies characteristics detectable by NDT methods that can be correlated with different types of delamination and Lamb Waves propagation patterns. The study provides (i) correlations between measurements from multiple advanced NDT techniques and their effectiveness in detecting and quantifying delamination sizes, locations, and depths, and (ii) an improved understanding and characterization of delaminations induced by different sources.
The findings advance the understanding of lightning strike and impact-induced delaminations and provide insights into the capabilities of classic and advanced NDT techniques. This research gives a promising lead for enhancing delamination detection efficiency in CFRPs, contributing to the safety of materials in the aerospace field.
In this study, various Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods are employed to characterise delaminations generated from two sources: simulated lightning strike tests and low-velocity impact tests. The delaminated specimens are investigated using Lamb Waves propagation, classic Ultrasonic Testing methods like C-scan and A-scan, and Infrared Thermography. This comprehensive approach allows for a quantitative comparison of Lamb Waves propagation in healthy and delaminated regions with other physical parameters, such as thermal characteristics and Decibel (dB) attenuation. Finally, the quantitative data and Lamb Wave signal shapes are compared with actual delamination structures.
This research identifies characteristics detectable by NDT methods that can be correlated with different types of delamination and Lamb Waves propagation patterns. The study provides (i) correlations between measurements from multiple advanced NDT techniques and their effectiveness in detecting and quantifying delamination sizes, locations, and depths, and (ii) an improved understanding and characterization of delaminations induced by different sources.
The findings advance the understanding of lightning strike and impact-induced delaminations and provide insights into the capabilities of classic and advanced NDT techniques. This research gives a promising lead for enhancing delamination detection efficiency in CFRPs, contributing to the safety of materials in the aerospace field.