Application of Directional Eddy Current Probe for Automated, High-Speed Inline Inspection of CFRP Components
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: The reliable, non-contact, and high-speed real-time detection of fiberrelated defects in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers is essential to minimize the time spent on inspection and repair operations. Previous research by the authors developed and tested various transmit and differential receive eddy current coils in static measurements, but did not evaluate the differential nature of receiver coils in dynamic inspection. This paper presents an integrated approach to address this gap. The previously documented eddy current probe was integrated into a robotic manipulator, and its sensitivity is evaluated by testing various out-of-plane wrinkle heights. Additionally, high-speed inspection is conducted at speeds ranging from 0.1 to 1 m/s on the most severe wrinkle profile samples. The probe's sensitivity is further assessed by comparing its performance against different wrinkle heights. The results of this study demonstrate that the automated inspection system achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of more than 14 and high-speed inspection achieves 4.5 SNR up to 1.0 m/s, with an SNR greater than 3 for detecting wrinkle heights of 1.3 mm. These findings contribute to improved quality control in composite manufacturing processes.
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Bristol
OpenAlex ID: W4411643383