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Programme launched to assess the value of thermographic technique for inspection of disbonding in composites
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Programme launched to assess the value of thermographic technique for inspection of disbonding in composites A pilot scheme has recently been launched at AERE Harwell, UK to assess the use of Thermal Pulse Video Thermography (a method pioneered by the NDT Centre at Harwell) as a rapid inspection tool for defects in composite materials. The two-year programme is being sponsored by a consortium of eight UK composite users and suppliers, who will have equal rights in exploiting the resulting technology. Pulse thermography involves exposing materials to bursts of heat from an intense source. Any defects present, which affect diffusion of heat away from the surface, produce areas with higher or lower temperatures than the surrounding defect-free regions. These temperature differences are monitored (from either side of the material) using an infra-red camera, coupled to a TV display and video
tape recorder, to produce an immediate visual image of the defect. The video tapes provide a permanent record for detailed analysis using image processing and enhancement. An advantage of the method is that it is a noncontacting inspection method which can be applied where access is difficult. Preliminary trials have confirmed the effectiveness of the method in identifying a number of defects including delaminations and disbonds. The purpose of the present scheme is to quantitatively assess the capabilities and limitations of the method in practice. Further details may be obtained from: Dr Peter Williams, Harwell
Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 ORA, England.
Expertise at joining processes laboratory available to industry for research PERA (the Production Engineering Research Association of Great Britain), has recently improved and expanded the laboratory of its Joining Processes Section at Melton Mowbray to meet the increased demand for its services. The Joining Processes Section specializes in adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, brazing, sealants, and fasteners. As well as possessing a specially equipped laboratory, it also has access to testing facilities and information resources within the PERA complex. It therefore sees itself as being uniquely qualified to offer practical assistance to industry and to carry out industry-related original research. Initial discussions with a prospective client, the preparation of project proposals (outlining the objectives of a project, the
programme of work, and the cost) and the submission of a quotation are all carried out free of charge. PERA feels that the cost of a project will be offset by the potential benefits offered to a company from the results, particularly if the company is illequipped to carry out the project itself. The scope of investigations carried out by PERA includes: investigation of problems; critical investigation of existing joining processes with a view to reducing costs and/or improving quality; joint design; testing of joints; selection of the most suitable joining methods for new products; economic assessment; practical evaluation and comparison of joining process equipment, and advising on suitable plant; and development of new joining
processes to meet specific requirements. Further details may be obtained from: The Manager, Metals
Working 8 Joining Processes Department, PEP,A, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LEI3 OPB, England.
Waming to UK adhesives manufacturers in a report, Adhesives Manufacturers (4th Edition), published by the business ratios division of ICC, 60 leading companies in the adhesives industries were analysed over a three-year period up to March 1982. Of the companies examined, 25 were described as those primarily engaged in the manufacture of adhesives while, with the exception of seven companies primarily engaged in the manufacture of adhesive products, the rest were described as companies with interest in the manufacture of adhesives and adhesive products. The over-all results of the analysis indicated that although the performance of the sector remained depressed, it had at least stabilized. While the average 'return on capital employed' has decreased from 14.1% in 1979/1980 to 6.0% in 1980/1981, it had remained at 6.0% in 1981/1982. The average 'profit margin' had followed a similar pattern. However, the report states that through the period covered, adhesives manufacturers had been borrowing extensively, and that in 1981/1982, interest repayments to lending institutions took nearly 45% of their preinterest profits. The implication from this situation is the the industry will be in a less competitive position in the future with little available money to invest in new processes. Copies of the report Adhesives Manufacturers, priced £121.00, are available from: Justin F.C. Power, ICC Business Ratios, 28-42 Banner Street, London EC1Y 8QE, England.
INT.J.ADHESION AND ADHESIVES JULY 1983 113
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Programme launched to assess the value of thermographic technique for inspection of disbonding in composites A pilot scheme has recently been launched at AERE Harwell, UK to assess the use of Thermal Pulse Video Thermography (a method pioneered by the NDT Centre at Harwell) as a rapid inspection tool for defects in composite materials. The two-year programme is being sponsored by a consortium of eight UK composite users and suppliers, who will have equal rights in exploiting the resulting technology. Pulse thermography involves exposing materials to bursts of heat from an intense source. Any defects present, which affect diffusion of heat away from the surface, produce areas with higher or lower temperatures than the surrounding defect-free regions. These temperature differences are monitored (from either side of the material) using an infra-red camera, coupled to a TV display and video
tape recorder, to produce an immediate visual image of the defect. The video tapes provide a permanent record for detailed analysis using image processing and enhancement. An advantage of the method is that it is a noncontacting inspection method which can be applied where access is difficult. Preliminary trials have confirmed the effectiveness of the method in identifying a number of defects including delaminations and disbonds. The purpose of the present scheme is to quantitatively assess the capabilities and limitations of the method in practice. Further details may be obtained from: Dr Peter Williams, Harwell
Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 ORA, England.
Expertise at joining processes laboratory available to industry for research PERA (the Production Engineering Research Association of Great Britain), has recently improved and expanded the laboratory of its Joining Processes Section at Melton Mowbray to meet the increased demand for its services. The Joining Processes Section specializes in adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, brazing, sealants, and fasteners. As well as possessing a specially equipped laboratory, it also has access to testing facilities and information resources within the PERA complex. It therefore sees itself as being uniquely qualified to offer practical assistance to industry and to carry out industry-related original research. Initial discussions with a prospective client, the preparation of project proposals (outlining the objectives of a project, the
programme of work, and the cost) and the submission of a quotation are all carried out free of charge. PERA feels that the cost of a project will be offset by the potential benefits offered to a company from the results, particularly if the company is illequipped to carry out the project itself. The scope of investigations carried out by PERA includes: investigation of problems; critical investigation of existing joining processes with a view to reducing costs and/or improving quality; joint design; testing of joints; selection of the most suitable joining methods for new products; economic assessment; practical evaluation and comparison of joining process equipment, and advising on suitable plant; and development of new joining
processes to meet specific requirements. Further details may be obtained from: The Manager, Metals
Working 8 Joining Processes Department, PEP,A, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LEI3 OPB, England.
Waming to UK adhesives manufacturers in a report, Adhesives Manufacturers (4th Edition), published by the business ratios division of ICC, 60 leading companies in the adhesives industries were analysed over a three-year period up to March 1982. Of the companies examined, 25 were described as those primarily engaged in the manufacture of adhesives while, with the exception of seven companies primarily engaged in the manufacture of adhesive products, the rest were described as companies with interest in the manufacture of adhesives and adhesive products. The over-all results of the analysis indicated that although the performance of the sector remained depressed, it had at least stabilized. While the average 'return on capital employed' has decreased from 14.1% in 1979/1980 to 6.0% in 1980/1981, it had remained at 6.0% in 1981/1982. The average 'profit margin' had followed a similar pattern. However, the report states that through the period covered, adhesives manufacturers had been borrowing extensively, and that in 1981/1982, interest repayments to lending institutions took nearly 45% of their preinterest profits. The implication from this situation is the the industry will be in a less competitive position in the future with little available money to invest in new processes. Copies of the report Adhesives Manufacturers, priced £121.00, are available from: Justin F.C. Power, ICC Business Ratios, 28-42 Banner Street, London EC1Y 8QE, England.
INT.J.ADHESION AND ADHESIVES JULY 1983 113