Non-destructive damage evaluation of composites based on X-ray and ultrasonic image fusion

Abstract

Proper utilisation of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods is crucial for ensuring the engineering safety of composites. Ultrasonic testing (UT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) are two commonly used NDT methods for inspecting glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites, each with its unique advantages and limitations. In a previous study, the authors found that UT has lower resolution in detecting delamination and inclusion defects compared to X-ray CT, which has a lower contrast. Both methods also lack the ability to perform automated quantitative testing. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a fusion algorithm that combines data from UT and X-ray CT imaging to detect hidden delamination and inclusion defects in GFRP composites. The proposed fusion method based on significant region enhancement and block fusion combines the strengths of UT and X-ray CT to enhance the precision and efficiency of material detection. By further utilising image segmentation methods, defects can be automatically quantified. This method not only aids scholars in characterising composite materials more comprehensively but also has the potential to facilitate the development and application of novel composite materials. It serves as a valuable supplement to traditional inspection techniques and has the capability to promote the advancement of materials science.