Ultrasonic Resonance Measurements of Sound Velocity in Thin Composite Laminates

An ultrasonic resonance technique for compressional and shear waves velocity measurements in thin composite laminates is described. The method utilizes a computer digitizing scheme and Fourier transform from time to frequency domain. Results showed an eight percent difference in compressional wave velocity across plies for specimens of two different fiber/resin systems. No difference was observed for specimens having different ply-orientations within a system. Shear wave velocity in one specimen was found to be 46% of the compressional wave velocity. The new technique could also be used for thickness measurements in thin-skin honeycomb structures.