Nondestructive examination of polymethacrylimide composite structures with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

THz reflective time domain spectroscopy (THz-RTDS) has been considered as an effective method to detect hidden objects with potential for supplementing other NDE technologies for foam composite adhesive structure debonding defects. PMI (Polymethacrylimide) is a heat-resistant foam material, with the highest strength and stiffness to weight ratio. It is widely used in various parts of airplanes, especially the wing leading edge and rudder, landing gear doors, wing-body/wingtip fairings and so on. We analyzed the features of adhesive debonding defect based mainly on the variation of the time-domain wave form and compared with the inclusion defect. The quantification of degrees of adhesive debonding can be readily achieved with THz-RTDS images based on the delay of the wave front and the main reflection time-domain waveforms. Typical accuracy of about 100 μm was achieved.