NDE Detection and Characterization of Damage in Honeycomb Sandwich Composites

¹ Department of Automotive Eng., Woosuk University 490, Hujung-ri, Samrae-up, Wanju-kun, Chonbuk, 565-701, Korea
² Division of Mech. System Eng., Chonbuk Natl. University, Duckjin-ku, Jeonbuk, 561-756, Korea
³ Dept. of Manufacturing Design Eng., Jeonju University, Wansan-ku, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 560-759, Korea
⁴ Dept. of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Songwon University, 73 Sonarm-ro, Namgu, Gwangju 502-210, Korea
⁵ Center for Non-destructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA

^a Corresponding author: khim@woosuk.ac.kr

Abstract

This study deals with a non-destructive evaluation technique for detecting defects in composite panels. In this non-destructive evaluation technique, various low-frequency techniques are applied such as a tapping technology. Another terahertz wave application will be utilized. In particular, the tapping technique is utilized in order to evaluate the characteristics of the honeycomb member based on the hysteresis effect analysis. Here, the area surrounded by the hysteresis loop in the force-displacement curve is related to the increased internal friction loss that is the cause of the energy absorption absorbed by the composite member after the load is applied. The loop area where the composite member was damaged was well agreed with the damage level. Artificial defects were manufactured on the surface of honeycomb sandwich composite panels. An NDE technique was proposed in order to detect defects by using terahertz waves and was discussed for tuning the practical use.