Validation of flash thermography using computed tomography for characterizing inhomogeneities and defects in CFRP structures

Active thermography is an efficient non-destructive testing method for investigating the internal structure of larger carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components as well as smaller CFRP components in mass customization. The method can be applied contactless and automated. This study contains systematic investigations of CFRP structures with typical defects and inhomogeneities occurring during production by means of flash thermography in reflection and transmission configuration and by computed tomography (CT). The latter one was used as a reference method, since also very small defects at larger depth can be visualized with high spatial resolution. The CFRP structures consist of plates which contain metallic and non-metallic inclusions, contaminations with glue or wax rests, areas with inhomogeneous re-injection of dry parts, fiber misalignments, and fiber damages. Further on, two specimens have been glued together with different artificial inhomogeneities of the four glue beads. The results of the applied methods are compared and the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are discussed based on the detectability of the inhomogeneities. It is shown that although CT has led to best contrasts and spatial resolutions in displaying the inhomogeneities and inclusions, flash thermography is very well suited to detect most of these structures. Considering that flash thermography can be applied on-site and has a high potential for automation and for a fast and efficient testing, it can be highly recommended for quality assurance during and after production of CFRP structures.