Non-destructive evaluation of composite materials with ultrasonic waves generated and detected by lasers

Measurement of the stiffness properties of composite materials with laser generated and detected ultrasound requires proper understanding of waves emanating from a line or point source in anisotropic and viscoelastic media. The paper briefly presents calculation results of waves radiated by such a source through or at the surface of a composite plate. Dispersion is represented as well as the multiple wave arrivals connected with the folded shape of the quasi-shear ray surface. Moreover, internal diffraction at the cusp edges is properly depicted. An identification method with specific signal processing have been used to measure the stiffness coefficients of composite materials. From group velocity data, the stiffness tensor of materials showing an orthorhombic symmetry can be identified. The stiffness tensor changes induced by elevated temperatures in a composite material were then measured. An alternative approach was developed which allows to measure the phase velocities of waves generated with laser line sources. The material characterisation reliability is then improved. Moreover, the method can be used in practical cases where the front side of the structure only is accessible with the experimental devices. Despite reflection at the rear interface of transient divergent waves which ray surfaces may contain caustics, this inverse problem can be solved in a simple and efficient manner. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.