| The herein presented research work, studies the applicability of a thermal method in the detection of damage in sandwich type carbon fiber composite material. This method is based on the change in temperature profiles when the damaged material is exposed to a heat flux, for a short period of time. This work consists of a numerical simulation and experimental measurements of temperature profiles. The main tools employed in the experimental part are: a thermographic camera, as a temperature sensor; and a computer software for the data acquisition analysis. The numerical validation of this method was performed by applying the finite elements method to aluminum and composite material plates. The influence on this technique by other factors was also determined and, a first approximation of the experimental work was obtained. Damages in the aluminum plates were experimentally detected. However, it was observed that due to various external factors enrolled in the tests, the quality of the outputs was no easily reproduced. Advantages and disadvantages of this technique were identified. |
