Simulation of ultrasonic array inspection of composites with side drilled holes

In this paper we ultrasonic signals from array transducers are simulated using the Thompson and Gray measurement model. The measurement model consists of a beam model, a system efficiency factor which characterizes the response of the electro-mechanical and electrical components of the system, and a flaw scattering model. To inspect layered...

Hygrothermal viscoelastic material characterisation of unidirectional continuous carbon-fibre reinforced polyamide 6

This paper presents results of material characterisation experiments on the hygrothermal viscoelastic behaviour of unidirectional laminates of continuous carbon-fibre reinforced polyamide 6. The material behaviour when subjected to the automotive painting process is of interest. Coefficients of thermal- and -moisture expansion were determined...

A 3-D finite element model for thermal analysis of laser assisted fiber placement

Laser assisted automated tape or fiber placement (LATP/LAFP) with in-situ consolidation is a promising technique for manufacturing large structures, eliminating the limitations of autoclave curing. Currently, 2-D models are mostly preferred for the thermal analysis of the process. A 3-D, transient thermal finite element model is developed to...

Online preventive non-destructive evaluation for automated fibre placement

The strict quality requirements for aerospace composite structures give rise to costly quality control procedures. In automated fibre placement (AFP) these procedures rely heavily on manual inspection leading to long machine downtime periods and a slower production process overall. A preventive non-destructive evaluation technique of the...

Modelling of ultrasonic beam propagation from an array through transversely isotropic fibre reinforced composites using Multi Gaussian beams

Ultrasonic arrays are used for non-destructive evaluation of structures for aerospace and other applications. With the increase in the usage of fibre-reinforced composites in aerospace structures, this evaluation becomes complex due to the effects of attenuation and reflection from the layer boundaries in composite laminates. Hence there is...

Online Preventative Non-Destructive Evaluation in Automated Fibre Placement

The strict quality requirements for aerospace composite struc- tures give rise to costly quality control procedures. In automated bre placement (AFP) these procedures rely heavily on manual work and inspection. This research aims at performing preventative non-destructive evaluation of composite laminate quality based on an online geometric...

CleanEra: A Collection of Research Projects for Sustainable Aviation

The CleanEra project was initiated with the goal of developing revolutionary ideas for civil aviation. These ideas were to offer solutions which would limit and reduce some of the negative aspects of aviation, namely: emissions and the use of resources. This book presents you with the highlights of this journey in search of new technologies for...

Design, Analysis, Fabrication and Testing of Grid-Stiffened for Fuselage Applications

The application of composites in aircraft structures has grown significantly in the past decade, and an increase in this growth in application has recently been achieved in fuselage designs for large civil aircraft such as the Boeing B787 and the Airbus A350. In conventional design philosophies, weight savings is the primary objective on a part...