Damage detection in sandwich composite using acoustic emission technique (Spanish text)

Investigation objective is the study of damage detection in sandwich composite using acoustic emission technique to prevent catastrophic failures. Failures modes in sandwich composite were monitored using this technique. The source damage location was made with a linear method where two sensors were coupled to the sample surface to monitor the propagation of stress waves. Quasi-static and fatigue testing results showed that the predominant failure mode was core damage (45–60 dB) followed by delamination (60–80 dB), resin cracking (80–90 dB) and fiber breakage (over 90 dB). Fatigue test was performed using 80–95% of maximum static load. Multiple crack propagation was observed and associated to interfacial debonding and cracks branching. The acoustic emission parameters are highly dependent on the material properties and sample geometry. It was concluded that acoustic emission is a powerful technique to damage location. The technique is cost effective, provides real time testing and safety operation.