X-ray computed tomography of composites

Abstract : The application of computed tomography (CT) for various polymer matrix composite parts was investigated. Emphasis was placed on pultruded composite parts in an effort to introduce CT as a real-time, on-line, nondestructive sampling method for the pultrusion process. In addition, several other composite parts were examined, including honeycomb panels, helicopter rotor to blades, a filament wound pressure bottle, sinewave spars, graphite/ phenolic insulation, 3-D braided thermoplastics, an injection molded airfoil, and more. It has concluded that, first CT has demonstrated significant potential for reducing time and costs in development CT systems can offer advantages in research applications for composites particularly as an alternative to destructive sectioning. Based on our studies, we would recommended that efforts can be made to incorporate a medical CT system on a pultrusion system producing high criticality, aerospace components.