Characterization of Composite Microstructure and Damage Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Published

January 1, 1999

Author(s)

Joy Dunkers, C G. Zimba, Kathleen M. Flynn, Donald L. Hunston, R Prasankumar, X Li, J G. Fujimoto

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-destructive and non-contact technique that images microstructure within scattering media. In this work, the versatility of OCT for non-destructive evaluation is demonstrated through imaging of composite microstructure and damage. Imaging of composite microstructure is demonstrated through tomographic reconstructions of an epoxy/unidirectional E-glass composite and an epoxy/0-90/ woven E-glass composite. Imaging of damage is shown by tomographic reconstruction of impact damage in a epoxy/unidirectional E-glass composite. The volumetric reconstruction of the composite is re-sliced along the thickness axis to reveal the propagation of cracks though the reinforcement layers. Advantages and limitations of OCT are discussed.

Citation

Conference on Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Materials and Composites

Volume

30

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

composites, damage, microconstructure, optical coherence tomography

Citation

Dunkers, J. , Zimba, C. , Flynn, K. , Hunston, D. , Prasankumar, R. , Li, X. and Fujimoto, J. (1999), Characterization of Composite Microstructure and Damage Using Optical Coherence Tomography, Conference on Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Materials and Composites, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=851542 (Accessed December 4, 2024)