Modelling of small CFRP aerostructure parts for X-ray imaging simulation
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 12 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a realistic computational model of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures dedicated for in-silico investigations of the use of X-ray-based imaging techniques as non-destructive testing (NDT) of CFRP parts.
Design/methodology/approach
CFRPs contain layers of carbon-fibres bundles within resin. Bundles’ orientation in the different layers is arranged with respect to each other at a well-defined primary direction. In the model, the bundle was simulated as a circular cylinder. The resulted model is a stack of layers of unidirectional bundles having orientation of 0°/90°/45°/−45°. Two CFRP structures were modelled: a flat CFRP part and a real shaped CFRP clip. A porous layer and non-carbon fibres were inserted within each model, respectively. X-ray projection images were generated with a dedicated simulation programme. Three setups were investigated: radiography, tomosynthesis and cone-beam CT (CBCT).
Findings
Results showed that porosity and non-carbon fibres were visible with all X-ray-based techniques. Tomosynthesis and CBCT, however, provide higher quality image of defects.
Practical implications
The CFRP computational model is a valuable tool in design, testing and optimization phase of X-ray-based imaging techniques for use in NDT of composite materials. Simulated images are generated within a short time; thus results from virtual optimization and testing are obtained very fast and at low cost.
Originality/value
An innovative computational model of CFRP structures, dedicated for X-ray imaging simulations, has been developed. The model is characterized by simplicity in its creation and realistic visual appearance of the produced X-ray images.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research leading to these results has gratefully received funding from the QUICOM Project of the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007- 2013), under Grant Agreement No. ACP2-GA-2012-314562.
Citation
Bliznakova, K., Kamarianakis, Z., Dermitzakis, A., Bliznakov, Z., Buliev, I. and Pallikarakis, N. (2014), "Modelling of small CFRP aerostructure parts for X-ray imaging simulation", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 227-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-02-2014-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited