| Abstract Scope |
Composite structures can fracture due to hidden flaws such as delamination, pores, and foreign inclusions. To expand the use of adhesive junctions, it is essential to identify the shape, size, and location of these inclusions using nondestructive testing (NDT) methods. Several NDT methods have been used to assess the integrity of composite structures, including Infrared Thermography (IRT), Terahertz, microwave radar, Ultrasonic, and X-ray. However, each method has its limitations. Ultrasonic testing and X-ray imaging can be considered two common NDT methods. The two most frequently used NDT methods are ultrasonic testing and X-ray imaging. CT is capable of detecting volumetric flaws, while ultrasonic testing offers superior contrast between defective and sound areas and performs well at detecting defects with zero volume or planar defects, such as disbands. To compensate for each method's shortcomings and exploit their advantages, data fusion methods can be used. These approaches have been used in medical imaging and for adhesive bond inspection. This contribution aims to improve the detectability of defects in carbon fiber composite materials by fusing CT and ultrasonic data. The initial ultrasonic and CT data showed a good correlation, and the drawbacks and advantages of each method were observed. Based on the initial data and reviewed literature, the fusion of these two datasets is expected to yield promising results. |