Identification of the fiber breakage orientation in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites using induction thermography

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are preferred for their specific strength and toughness. As fibers are the main load-bearing constituent of composites, fiber breakage has a significant effect on their strength and stiffness. The complex nature of damage involving oriented fiber breakages across multiple layers has posed a challenge to manufacturers and end-users alike. While detailed investigations of the damage have been carried out using micro-CT scans, assessment of oriented fiber breakages with field-deployable non-destructive techniques would facilitate our understanding significantly. A new scheme deploying induction thermography to detect fiber breakage and identify its orientation is proposed. It is experimentally demonstrated on samples with realistic fiber breakage produced in a controlled manner. Further, a numerical model capturing the proposed inspection mechanism is described.