Infrared Thermography in the Evaluation of Aerospace Composite Materials: Infrared Thermography to Composites provides an update on infrared thermography, a fast and reliable method for non-destructive evaluation of composite materials used in the aerospace field. The book describes composites and the main problems that can arise both during manufacturing and when in service, and then covers different thermographic non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques, including pulse thermography, lock-in thermography, and pulse phase. Each technique includes key examples and relevant references, with sections devoted to the usefulness of an infrared imaging device to monitor the behavior of a material under load, such as impact and bending. The book also includes discussions on standards, personnel certification, and training. - Provides a comprehensive look at the use of infrared thermography in the materials science field - Describes thermographic techniques of non-destructive testing in an easy way, and with links to aeronautical standards - Addresses different types of composite problems and how they can be helped through the use of infrared thermography - Includes key examples and relevant references, with sections devoted to the usefulness of an infrared imaging device to monitor the behavior of a material under load

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-contact, non-invasive methodology which allows for detection of thermal energy that is radiated from objects in the infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum, for conversion of such energy into a visible image (such as a surface temperature map). This feature represents a great potential to be exploited in a vast variety of fields from aerospace to civil engineering, to medicine, to agriculture, etc. However, IRT is still not adequately enclosed in industrial instrumentation and there are still potential users who might benefit from the use of such a technique and who are not aware of their existence. This e-book conveys information about basic IRT theory, infrared detectors, signal digitalization and applications of infrared thermography in many fields such as medicine, foodstuff conservation, fluid-dynamics, architecture, anthropology, condition monitoring, non destructive testing and evaluation of materials and structures. The volume promotes an exchange of information between the academic world and industry, and shares methodologies which were independently developed and applied in specific disciplines.

Ultrasonic methods have been very popular in nondestructive testing and characterization of materials. This book deals with both industrial ultrasound and medical ultrasound. The advantages of ultrasound include flexibility, low cost, in-line operation, and providing data in both signal and image formats for further analysis. The book devotes 11 chapters to ultrasonic methods. However, ultrasonic methods can be much less effective with some applications. So the book also has 14 chapters catering to other or advanced methods for nondestructive testing or material characterization. Topics like structural health monitoring, Terahertz methods, X-ray and thermography methods are presented. Besides different sensors for nondestructive testing, the book places much emphasis on signal/image processing and pattern recognition of the signals acquired.

The increased use of polymer matrix composites in structural applications has led to the growing need for a very high level of quality control and testing of products to ensure and monitor performance over time. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of polymer matrix composites explores a range of NDE techniques and the use of these techniques in a variety of application areas.Part one provides an overview of a range of NDE and NDT techniques including eddy current testing, shearography, ultrasonics, acoustic emission, and dielectrics. Part two highlights the use of NDE techniques for adhesively bonded applications. Part three focuses on NDE techniques for aerospace applications including the evaluation of aerospace composites for impact damage and flaw characterisation. Finally, the use of traditional and emerging NDE techniques in civil and marine applications is explored in part four.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of polymer matrix composites is a technical resource for researchers and engineers using polymer matrix composites, professionals requiring an understanding of non-destructive evaluation techniques, and academics interested in this field. - Explores a range of NDE and NDT techniques and considers future trends - Examines in detail NDE techniques for adhesively bonded applications - Discusses NDE techniques in aerospace applications including detecting impact damage, ultrasonic techniques and structural health monitoring

Natural fiber composites are a preferred alternative to conventional composites due to their environment-friendly nature. However, their market share is limited due to: a) limited number and quantities of natural fibers available for composites, b) diversity in fibers structure, c) poor mechanical properties of fibers as well as composites, d) susceptibility to microbial attacks, and e) cellulose degradation temperature around 200 deg C, which hinders the development of natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites using thermoforming at high temperatures. A number of researchers have contributed to the solution of the problem of poor mechanical properties and issues related to fabrication during the last decade. This book covers these different solutions. The book is divided into two principal themes: a) structure–property relationship: fibers to composites—it includes the discussion on fibers, their surface modifications, variation in the structure of reinforcement, and approaches for the enhancement of properties. b) Fabrication process of composites—it includes the novel approaches used for the development of natural fiber composites using the commingling technique for thermoplastic composites.

A composite sandwich panel is a hybrid material made up of constituents such as a face sheet, a core, and adhesive film for bonding the face sheet and core together. Advances in materials have provided designers with several choices for developing sandwich structures with advanced functionalities. The selection of a material in the sandwich construction is based on the cost, availability, strength requirements, ease of manufacturing, machinability, and post-manufacturing process requirements. Sandwich Composites: Fabrication and Characterization provides insights into composite sandwich panels based on the material aspects, mechanical properties, defect characterization, and secondary processes after the fabrication, such as drilling and repair. FEATURES Outlines existing fabrication methods and various materials aspects Examines composite sandwich panels made of different face sheets and core materials Covers the response of composite sandwich panels to static and dynamic loads Describes parameters governing the drilling process and repair procedures Discusses the applications of composite sandwich panels in various fields Explores the role of 3D printing in the fabrication of composite sandwich panels Due to the wide scope of the topics covered, this book is suitable for researchers and scholars in the research and development of composite sandwich panels. This book can also be used as a reference by professionals and engineers interested in understanding the factors governing the material properties, material response, and the failure behavior under various mechanical loads.

Mechanics of Composite, Hybrid, and Multifunctional Materials, Volume 6 of the Proceedings of the 2017 SEM Annual Conference & Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the sixth volume of nine from the Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of areas, including: Nano & Particulate Composites Recycled Constituent Composites Hybrid Composites Multifunctional Materials Fracture & Fatigue of Composites Novel Developments in Composites Mechanics of Composites