Detection of water ingress in composite sandwich structures: a magnetic resonance approach

• Published in: NDT & E international : independent nondestructive testing and evaluation 2005-09, Vol.38 (6), p.501-507
• Main Authors: LaPlante, Gabriel, Marble, Andrew E., MacMillan, Bryce, Lee-Sullivan, Pearl, Colpitts, Bruce G., Balcom, Bruce J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composites; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Honeycomb; Magnetic resonance imaging; Materials science; Materials testing; Physics; Sandwich panel; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Water ingress
• ISSN: 0963-8695; 1879-1174
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2005.01.006

Water ingress inside honeycomb sandwich panels during service has been linked to in-flight failure in some aircraft. There is an ongoing effort to develop nondestructive testing methods to detect the presence of water within the panels. Magnetic resonance (MR) represents an attractive approach in that it is sensitive to moisture. Using a unilateral MR sensor, testing can be applied directly to the surface of the panel. The viability of MR is demonstrated through laboratory imaging of both water within sandwich panels, as well as the adhesive itself. The detection of water using a one-sided handheld MR sensor is presented. It is shown that simple detection, as well as spatial localization of water within sandwich panels is possible.