Quantitative defects evaluation in composite materials by means of non-destructive Thermographic techniques supported by numerical simulations
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Composite materials are widely used in various industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical properties. However, due to their an-isotropic and low thermal conductive nature; detecting defects in composite laminates is a challenging task, as these defects are often hidden inside the material [1]. Thermal non-destructive techniques, such as Stimulated thermography [2] have been shown to be effective in detecting defects in composite materials [3]. In this study, an accurate finite element model was developed to predict the detectability of defects and used as a support to experimental tests for quantitatively evaluating defects. The temperature field was obtained by using a 3-Dimensional heat conduction model, constructed with the Lagrange interpolation functions in the thickness direction [4]. The simulation results were validated against experimental data, and the effect of various parameters, such as defect size and depth, on the detection capability of these techniques was analysed. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the application of thermal non-destructive techniques in detecting defects in composite laminates, which can lead to the development of more reliable and efficient inspection methods for composite materials components.