Inspection of Composite Structures

There is a limit to the strength of composite sheet after which stiffeners are required to make cost effective stronger assemblies. The stiffeners are often constructed from different materials and are connected to the sheet using an adhesive. The integrity of the connection is vital to ensure the strength of the structure. Inspection is a critical process in ensuring the integrity.

The manufacturing processes must be carried out and verified under strict inspection and testing guidelines. Ultrasonic inspection is a proven method to provide the necessary assurance.

With advances in composite design and manufacturing to satisfy new applications, complex geometries are often required. Ultrasonic equipment and application processes has also advanced and become more sophisticated to resolve the difficult access problems and complex inspection requirements.

This application note identifies the hardware and software solutions to help overcome such inspection challenges.

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