Characterization of Fiber Direction Influence in CFRP Composites Using Advanced NDE Techniques

A nondestructive technique would be very useful. Advanced NDE T-ray (terahertz ray) techniques of technology and instrumentation has provided a probing field on the electromagnetic spectrum. However, the T-ray is limited in order to penetrate a conducting material to some degree. Here, the T-ray would not go through easily the CFRP composite laminates since carbon fibers are electrically conducting while the epoxy matrix is not. So, investigation of terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz TDS) was made and reflection and transmission configurations were studied for a 48-ply thermoplastic PPS(poly-phenylene sulfide)-based CFRP solid laminate. It is found that the electrical conductivity of CFRP composites depends on the direction of unidirectional fibers.