Ultrasonic Techniques to Produce Damage Profiles through the Thickness of a Sample

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of producing a clear image of the lateral extent of damage as well as the damage profile through the sample thickness in graphite/epoxy composites. Two techniques, (gated ultrasonic backscatter and gated pulse-echo) are described. C-scan images of impact damage in both laminates and filament wound material are presented and the results compared with damage data obtained from photomicroscopy and thermal deplying using gold chloride penetrant