Non-Destructive Testing of CFRP by Ultrasonic Thermography after Ballistics Testing

The paper introduces a diagnostic technique making possible the research of internal structures in composite materials that are used more often in construction of light armors protecting vehicles. Little mass and the resistance against the perforation with bullets and fragments are basic requirements of contemporary armors. This requirement could be met by using composites. Composite armor is examined by testing its ballistic resistance and this is performed by carrying out bullet proof tests. During this test in the moment of bullet's striking into armor the composite material comes into destruction of its internal structure on a considerable area. This is especially visible in multi-layer composites. One of the many methods used in non-destructive testing of composites is active infrared thermography. In active thermography, it is necessary to deliver energy to the examined sample in order to obtain significant temperature differences indicating the presence of subsurface anomalies. Non-destructive testing was carried out using ultrasound source of thermal stimulation. The results are reported in the paper.