PhD Improving imaging methodologies for fibre-reinforced composite (CFRP) structures

Fibre-reinforced composites are attractive in manufacturing, particularly automotive and aerospace, due to being lightweight and have high specific stiffness and strength. To minimise machining processes they are typically near-net shape formed from large sheets which leads to fibre spread, impacting anisotropy and can lead to weak points or components that are not fit for purpose.

X-ray imaging (X-ray computed tomography, XCT) provides a way to non-destructively inspect internal materials and geometries that would otherwise be inaccessible. Imaging CFRP has a few challenges
- The high aspect ratio of plates and forms are ill-suited for standard acquisition protocols resulting in image artefacts
- Maintaining a high resolution locally is essential to sufficiently observe fibre orientation, but is frequently difficult due to the typical size of CFRP plates and products

This project will develop novel acquisition protocols to tackle both of these issues, using the TESCAN X-ray CT system here at Warwick, and whom is a partner in this project.