Composite laminates are widely applied in aerospace components. Generally fabricated by multi-layer compression bonding, laminates cause severe attenuation of ultrasonic waves during internal propagation. Common internal defects include delamination, porosity, inclusions and other imperfections.

In the following case, the Doppler wheel scanning device is used for laminate inspection. Featuring a large coverage area and simple, convenient operation, this scanner delivers outstanding advantages in the inspection of large-area flat workpieces.

Workpiece to Be Inspected

Figure 1 Physical photograph of the composite laminate

As shown in Figure 1, the thickness of the tested workpiece is approximately 4 mm with a sound surface condition. Full-coverage scanning is required. The adopted phased array wheel-type scanning device can switch scanning modes via keys to perform grid two-dimensional scanning, enabling rapid full-area inspection of the workpiece.

Scanning Device

Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate the wheel-type scanning device and the echo analysis diagram in the S-scan view, respectively.

Inspection Results

Figure 4 Inspection Result Diagram

    As shown in Figure 4, the distribution of defects can be visually observed in the C-scan image with clear defect boundaries. In addition, by using the measurement parameters at the top of the interface, simple dimensional measurement of defects can be completed on the equipment, so as to quickly obtain the length, width and other dimensional data of defects.

Summary

       It can be concluded from the above inspection cases that the wheel scanning device enables rapid and effective detection of this type of laminate. Defects can be visually identified in scanning results, and defect quantification is highly convenient.

In addition, for area-type defects, Doppler NovaScan equipment is equipped with an automatic defect area calculation function. It supports direct frame selection of defects for area calculation and export of defect data, presenting unique technical advantages in inspection.