Some Results and Issues in the Non-Destructive Evaluation of Sandwich Composite Structures

This paper focuses on the use of basic NDE methods like ultrasonics, imaging and vibration testing to assess the integrity of some sandwich composites which have been subjected to transverse loading. Samples of a foam core, glass composite facing sandwich beam of varying thicknesses and end notch lengths were tested in three point bending and assessed by these NDE methods. The results show that core shear and indentation failures appear to be the prominent failure modes for these geometries and materials, and that changes in the damping and vibration modal frequencies of the beams can indicate damage states.