Porosity Assessment in Resin-Infused CFRP Laminates Through Ultrasound and Infrared Thermography

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates have become indispensable materials across numerous advanced industries, including aerospace, automotive, and wind energy, owing to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and high stiffness. However, the manufacturing processes introduce defects such as porosity, which can significantly degrade the material’s mechanical performance and long-term durability. This paper delves into the critical subject of porosity assessment in these advanced composite structures, focusing on two prominent non-destructive testing methodologies: ultrasonic testing and infrared thermography. The primary objective is to investigate the efficacy of these techniques in identifying porosity within resin-infused composite laminates. A comparative analysis is conducted to highlight the synergistic potential and complementary nature of these two NDT approaches. This discussion underscores the paramount importance of precise porosity characterization to ensure the reliability and performance of critical composite components.