THz spectroscopy for inspection and evaluation of internal structure of sandwich samples
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 3 December 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of THz spectroscopy for the inspection and evaluation of the internal structure of complex samples with honeycomb fillers.
Design/methodology/approach
Three complex samples with honeycomb fillers are investigated using THz spectrometer in order to determine the applicability of chosen non-destructive method for the analysis of internal structure of structural components. The first analysed sample has aluminium honeycomb filler with some cells filled with water. The aim of the analysis is to distinguish empty and full cells. The other two sandwich samples are made of different non-metallic components and for them the possibility of THz spectroscopy application is analysed.
Findings
The empty and full cells in metal honeycomb filler were easily distinguished due to different absorption coefficients of electromagnetic waves in THz range for air and water. It was especially visible for frequency domain. The THz spectroscopy was able to inspect the non-metallic samples internal structures and distinguish skins (with layers), honeycomb fillers and adhesive layers between them. It was also possible to detect, localise and determine the size of a local damage of honeycomb walls due to impact influence.
Originality/value
The present study is an original research work. There are very limited literature papers which present analyses of internal structures of sandwich elements using THz spectroscopy and investigate utility of the method for mechanical damage and contamination (water) detection and localisation.
Keywords
Citation
Mieloszyk, M., Majewska, K. and Ostachowicz, W. (2018), "THz spectroscopy for inspection and evaluation of internal structure of sandwich samples", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 9 No. 6, pp. 793-803. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-11-2017-0068
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited