Transverse cracking signal characterization in CFRP laminates using modal acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques

The process of formation and subsequent propagation of transverse cracks in 90o plies of carbon-fiber laminated composites was studied using modal acoustic emission approach and digital image correlation techniques. The results from modal acoustic emission approach, which included a newly developed processing tool for acoustic emission waveforms, provided information for identification and subsequent characterization or localization of signals originating from transverse cracking by analysis of the separated flexural and extensional Lamb wave modes in terms of their modal parameters. The digital image correlation method served as a verification tool of the acoustic emission data outputs in the terms of activity of significant localized events originating from the formation of the transverse crack in the 90oply. This made it possible to specify more locally the accompanying activity belonging to the formation or propagation of the magistral transverse crack. The manuscript also presents results related to the evolution of flexural/extensional wave modal parameters as the function of loading force for both [0/0/0/90]S and [90/0/0/0]S panels. It can be concluded that the detection of transverse cracks requires the need for applying a more complex acoustic emission data analysis methodology, while the standard parametric analysis, including the waveform peak frequency, is not sufficient. The presented methodology may serve as a basis for development of robust analysis tool capable of detecting the investigated phenomena.