Evaluation and Application of T-Ray Nondestructive Characterization of FRP Composite Materials

Recently, T-ray (terahertz ray) applications have emerged as one of the most promising new powerful nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. In this study, a new T-ray time-domain spectroscopy system was utilized for detecting and evaluating layup effect and flaw in FRT composite laminates. Extensive experimental measurements in reflection and thru-transmission modes were made to map out the T-ray images. Especially this was demonstrated in thick GFRP laminates containing double saw slots. In carbon composites the penetration of terahertz waves is limited to some degree and the detection of flaws is strongly affected by the angle between the electric field(E-field) vector of the terahertz waves and the intervening fiber directions. The artificial defects investigated by terahertz waves were bonded foreign material, simulated disbond and delamination and mechanical impact damage. The effectiveness and limitations of terahertz radiation for the NDE of composites are discussed