Structural analyses of additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced polymer with embedded fiber optic using THz spectroscopy and micro-computed tomography

This study examines the internal structure of additively manufactured (AM) carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites embedded with fiber optics with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors using THz spectroscopy and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Due to the high conductivity of carbon fiber, the application of THz spectroscopy to CFRP faces significant challenges, necessitating careful optimization of inspection parameters. Conversely, micro-CT leverages its deeper penetration capabilities and high-resolution imaging to provide accurate and detailed internal imaging of CFRP composites. THz spectroscopy detects the influence of embedded fiber optics on AM CFRP structure while micro-CT excels by producing detailed 3D representations of the internal structure, effectively identifying the fiber optic precise location. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate non-destructive testing (NDT) methods based on the specific material properties, demonstrating that micro-CT is an invaluable complementary tool to THz spectroscopy to achieve thorough assessment of CFRP composites in materials science, medicine, and engineering. • THz spectroscopy and micro-CT were used to analyze 3D-printed CFRP with embedded fiber optic. • Due to carbon fiber content, THz spectroscopy can analyze 3D-printed CFRP, unlike standard-manufactured CFRP. • The influence of embedded fiber optics on CFRP was analyzed by THz spectroscopy; their location was identified via micro-CT.