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.