QuantCarbon: Carbon fiber-reinforced composites put to the test
Great teamwork, interesting experiments and forward-thinking technology: This perfectly describes our project “QuantCarbon” which was completed in June. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme IKTS, Rotortechnik GmbH & Co. KG and Leichtbau Zentrum Sachsen GmbH we tested the structural integrity of carbon fiber-reinforced composites by means of Acoustic Emission Testing.
Until now, other testing procedures were used to diagnose internal damages of carbon fiber-reinforced composites – for instance X-ray or the pulse-echo-method using ultrasound. The biggest advantage of the innovative Acoustic Emission Testing, compared to previous testing procedures, is that larger components can now be monitored using less sensors. In case of structural damage, guided acoustic waves spread in the respective component and are measured and localized by sensors.
During the project period, Applus+ IMA Dresden took responsibility for coupon testing and experiments on the component level – among other things the installation of measuring equipment, the development and construction of testing facilities as well as the validation with other non-destructive testing methods. QuantCarbon was funded by the Sächsische Aufbaubank.
