1 Scope
This document describes procedures for mechanized ultrasonic testing of FRP composite
materials using array probes in conjunction with the application of synthetic focusing
signal processing algorithms, as well as testing using air-coupled ultrasonic probes
and the evaluation of the test result.
This document is intended for array ultrasonic testing (A-UT) and for air-coupled
ultrasonic testing (AC-UT) techniques applied to non-destructive testing of carbon
fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites
with thermoset or thermoplastic matrices. The procedures are primarily intended for
inspection of continuous unidirectional or multidirectional composites; however, this
does not exclude their use on other formats of structural composites including woven
and stitched fabrics and pultrusions.
The techniques contained within this document are intended to be used on flat, plane
test objects where the material thickness differs by less than 20 %.
This document addresses ultrasonic testing via contact or immersion techniques using
ultrasonic array probes as well as testing in pitch-catch or through-transmission
technique using single element air-coupled ultrasonic probes.