Automated Immersion Type Ultrasonic C-Scan Inspection of Triangular Thermoset Composite Grid Structures for Aerospace Applications

Tayfun Durmaz, Robert Telford, Brendan R. Murray, Kelly Matthews, Ronan O’Higgins

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Composite grid architectures, also known as lattices, are a lightweight structural application of fiber-reinforced composite materials. These structures are manufactured by laying down unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite tapes in different principal directions, which overlap at intersection points, forming a grid. The unidirectional elements between intersections are described as ribs, whereas intersection points are names as nodes. While, grid-stiffened composite structures are well known, their application was rare due to the challenges of their complex manufacturing and inspection processes. This work focuses on developing a non-destructive inspection method for composite lattice structures for aerospace applications. Carbon fiber-reinforced thermoset composite triangular grid structures were inspected by ultrasonic immersion type automated C-Scan equipment. Composite lattice inspection calibration samples were developed by inserting different types of artificial defects between the sample prepreg layers during manufacturing. An inspection procedure was developed for these complex structural parts with the aid of these calibration samples. The sensitivity of the scanning process according to the defect size was defined for C-Scan setup.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106996
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 23 Jan 202327 Jan 2023

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period23/01/2327/01/23

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