Raman Spectroscopy for the Nondestructive Testing of Carbon Fiber

Abstract EN

The goal of this research is to evaluate the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a method of condition assessment for carbon fiber composite materials used in high performance situations such as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).

There are currently limited nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies to evaluate these composite materials in situ.

Variations in elastic strain in the composite material can manifest from degradation or damage, and as such could provide a tool for condition assessment.

The characterization of active Raman bands and the strain sensitivity of these bands for commercially available carbon fibers are reported.