Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates are widely used in parts with complex shapes with different curvatures. The curved regions are susceptible to the occurrence of manufacturing defects and premature in-service damage, thus the nondestructive inspection (NDI) of the curved regions is an important issue. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to assess the structure of CFRP composite laminate curved beams with different curvature geometry produced in the autoclave technology. The performed inspection allowed visualization of the structure of the curvatures on the ply level and the detection of defects such as foreign objects, voids, resin rich regions, wrinkles and changes in thickness. Also, the quantitative assessment of the defects and distances between the adjacent layers was carried out. The performed investigations show that X-ray CT is an adequate tool to visualize curved CFRP structures.
In this work, carbon-epoxy composites obtained by an autoclave process were subjected to accelerated ageing in controlled conditions of temperature, water and UV radiation. Each composite was exposed to salt water at 60°C or UV radiation at 60°C over a period of 6 months. Changes within the composites were evaluated by mass and density variation, mechanical testing and also in terms of camouflage. Results did not show significant changes in mass loss or density, and it was found that mechanical properties had decreased slightly. The biggest change is in camouflage. It was observed that during accelerated ageing, the composites’ reemission coefficient becomes too high and composites lose camouflage properties.
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