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Title: Method and apparatus for evaluating structural weakness in polymer matrix composites

Abstract

A method and apparatus for evaluating structural weaknesses in polymer matrix composites is described. An object to be studied is illuminated with laser radiation and fluorescence emanating therefrom is collected and filtered. The fluorescence is then imaged and the image is studied to determine fluorescence intensity over the surface of the object being studied and the wavelength of maximum fluorescent intensity. Such images provide a map of the structural integrity of the part being studied and weaknesses, particularly weaknesses created by exposure of the object to heat, are readily visible in the image.

Inventors:
 [1];  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge, TN
  2. Knoxville, TN
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
870250
Patent Number(s):
5483338
Assignee:
Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
DOE Contract Number:  
AC05-84OR21400
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
method; apparatus; evaluating; structural; weakness; polymer; matrix; composites; weaknesses; described; studied; illuminated; laser; radiation; fluorescence; emanating; therefrom; collected; filtered; imaged; image; determine; intensity; surface; wavelength; maximum; fluorescent; images; provide; map; integrity; particularly; created; exposure; heat; readily; visible; matrix composites; laser radiation; structural integrity; polymer matrix; fluorescence intensity; matrix composite; structural weakness; evaluating structural; /356/250/

Citation Formats

Wachter, Eric A, and Fisher, Walter G. Method and apparatus for evaluating structural weakness in polymer matrix composites. United States: N. p., 1996. Web.
Wachter, Eric A, & Fisher, Walter G. Method and apparatus for evaluating structural weakness in polymer matrix composites. United States.
Wachter, Eric A, and Fisher, Walter G. Mon . "Method and apparatus for evaluating structural weakness in polymer matrix composites". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/870250.
@article{osti_870250,
title = {Method and apparatus for evaluating structural weakness in polymer matrix composites},
author = {Wachter, Eric A and Fisher, Walter G},
abstractNote = {A method and apparatus for evaluating structural weaknesses in polymer matrix composites is described. An object to be studied is illuminated with laser radiation and fluorescence emanating therefrom is collected and filtered. The fluorescence is then imaged and the image is studied to determine fluorescence intensity over the surface of the object being studied and the wavelength of maximum fluorescent intensity. Such images provide a map of the structural integrity of the part being studied and weaknesses, particularly weaknesses created by exposure of the object to heat, are readily visible in the image.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1996},
month = {1}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Composite heat damage spectroscopic analysis
report, September 1990