Characterization of Ceramic Composite Materials Using Terahertz Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques

This work describes the use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to characterize defects such as rust, voids, etc. in materials, and to analyze and predict strain and stress-induced breakdown. The use of terahertz (THz) imaging as an evaluation tool for novel materials and systems has found much success in recent years. While suggested as a potential NDE tool for use in the field of ceramic and ceramic matrix composite materials, the use of THz spectroscopy and imaging in the examination of the effects of mechanical and thermally induced strain on ceramic composite materials is not well established. In order to assess the effectiveness of THz imaging for use in the analysis of ceramic composite material health, it is necessary to determine if THz spectroscopic imaging can clearly highlight areas of the samples that have been affected by mechanical and thermal stress.