Non-Destructive Damage Detection in Fiber Composite Components Using Electrical and Thermal Sensing

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a device for non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced composite components. The device uses fibers with an electrically conductive coating connected to a power source, enabling electrical current to flow. By measuring changes in surface temperature (using infrared detectors) and changes in the magnetic field (using magnetic field detectors) caused by damages, the system can easily and non-destructively detect local damage in such components.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quality assurance in manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite materials, such as those used in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy industries.
• Routine maintenance inspections of aircraft parts, automotive components, or sports equipment made from composites.
• Structural health monitoring of large composite structures like bridges or wind turbine blades to detect fatigue or damage without dismantling.
• Research and development of new fiber-reinforced materials, providing easy damage detection for testing purposes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables early detection of damage without destroying or disassembling the component, saving costs and time.
• Improves safety and reliability by providing accurate, localized information about structural integrity.
• Can be integrated into automated inspection processes, increasing efficiency in production or maintenance.
• Reduces the risk of undetected failures in critical composite parts, enhancing operational safety.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to devices for non-destructive testing of fiber composite components, wherein at least some of the fibers in the fiber composite component have at least one coating made of an electrically conductive material. The devices are characterized in particular by the fact that local damage in the fiber composite components can be easily determined in a non-destructive manner. For this purpose, the fibers having the coating are connected to an electrical voltage source as an electrical energy source, so that an electrical current flows in the coating. Furthermore, at least one infrared detector for detecting the surface temperature and at least one magnetic field detector for detecting the electrical current flow in the coatings of the fibers are arranged such that a change in current flow caused by damage to a coating and a resulting change in temperature and magnetic field are detectable.