Porosity Assessment in Resin-Infused CFRP Laminates Through Ultrasound and Infrared Thermography
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors thanks to their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, defects such as porosity can severely undermine their structural integrity. Detecting and quantifying these defects is essential to ensure safety and long-term performance. This study was led by researchers at the University of Manchester, with contributions from TecScan Systems Inc.
In this study, two complementary non-destructive evaluation methods were compared:
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Using a high-precision TecScan TS-3000 immersion scanner, detailed attenuation maps were generated to reveal areas of high porosity and incomplete resin impregnation.
- Infrared Thermography (IRT): Leveraging Parker’s flash method, thermal diffusivity maps were created highlighting regions of reduced conductivity caused by voids and resin-rich areas.
A key finding of this work is the strong inverse correlation between ultrasonic attenuation and thermal diffusivity. Where ultrasound signals weakened, heat flow slowed, consistently pointing to porosity. By combining UT and IRT, defects can be cross-validated, enhancing diagnostic confidence for industrial applications.
This research underscores the value of multi-modal inspection strategies to ensure quality in advanced composite manufacturing.
You can read the full paper here: IEEE Xplore Link
For a concise visual summary, the presentation slides are available:
