An examination of nondestructive evaluation techniques for polymer matrix composite sandwich materials

Structural sandwich materials composed of triaxially braided polymer matrix composite material face sheets sandwiching a foam core are being utilized for applications including aerospace components and recreational equipment. Since full scale components are being made from these sandwich materials, it is necessary to develop proper inspection practices for their manufacture and in field use. Specifically, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques need to be investigated for analysis of components made from these materials. Hockey blades made from sandwich materials were examined with multiple NDE techniques including thermographic, radiographic, and laser based methods to investigate the manufactured condition of blades and damage induced from play. Hockey blades in an as received condition and damaged blades used in play were investigated with each technique. NDE images from the blades were presented and discussed. Structural elements within each blade were observed with radiographic imaging. Damaged regions and some structural elements of the hockey blades were identified with thermographic imaging. With shearogaphy, structural elements, damaged regions, and other material variations were detected in the hockey blades. Each technique's advantages and disadvantages were considered in making recommendations for inspection of components made from these types of materials.