X-ray ct applications for composite components

As very diverse materials, composite components are widely used in various industrial fields such as the aerospace, automotive, naval industries… require high-grade control and inspection operations during the overall production process. X-ray CT, as a powerful non-destructive technology, is used to inspect composite components in an easy way and is the only one giving the ability to see inside the matter.

X-ray CT is a powerful technology to explore composites components

Composite components have very complex behavior displaying a range of failure modes. To avoid such defects, X-ray CT is used to provide precise measurements of the overall sample, from the whole structure down to individual fiber level. Every structural and dimensional aspect of composite parts can be assessed through one CT dataset.

CT datasets contain the entire sample geometric information and can be used to perform different kinds of analyses: voids analysis, actual parts to CAD comparison, part to part comparison, wall thickness analysis or reverse engineering.

Many different types of composite analyses can be performed using X-ray CT

Industrial CT scanning technology provides the possibility to quantify the fiber orientation and distribution inside your component. It gives important information, since the distribution affects the mechanical and physical properties of the workpiece, such as its strengths, internal stress or fatigue properties.

Powerful analysis software enables to know if the fiber distribution is isotropic and homogeneous, by representing every fiber as a tensor. Furthermore, a comparison between a CT dataset and a CAD nominal file can be made easily, to quickly and accurately compare the part to a CAD model, by showing the internal fibers deviations.

Industrial CT scanning technology allows the identification of cracks, porosities or inclusions inside the scanned part. The volume fraction of pores and their spatial distribution in the sample can be calculated and highlighted with different colors using post-processing software.

Benefits of inspecting composite components with X-ray CT

- Non-destructive technique to avoid losing precious information

- Characterize from the entire component down to the fibers

- Cost and time saving through early defect detection

- One CT dataset for every structural and dimensional feature

Multiple analyses on composite components with X-ray CT

X-ray CT is a powerful technology to explore composites components

Many different types of composite analyses can be performed using X-ray CT

Benefits of inspecting composite components with X-ray CT