Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) quantification of erosion wear and delamination of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP)
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2025-06-01
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Journal Article
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Abstract
This research examines erosion wear on the surface and deeper layers of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials using micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). CFRP composites are favored in the energy sector for wind turbine blades due to their high specific strength, rigidity, fatigue resistance, and design versatility. However, they are susceptible to erosion wear, which can degrade the aerodynamic efficiency of blade edges. This study employed a pulsating water jet at a 40 kHz frequency to generate droplets, simulating severe weathering conditions akin to heavy rain in an accelerated erosion testing mode. The CFRP samples were scanned before and after exposure to the pulsating water jet (PWJ) for durations ranging from 1 to 15 s. The progression of erosion damage was assessed using confocal, optical, and scanning electron microscopy, along with μ-CT for detailed comparison. The erosion pattern was found to depend on the initial orientation of the fiber layers. Just 1 s of exposure, equivalent to 40,000 impacts, was sufficient to penetrate the first fiber layer to a depth of approximately 250 μm. Extended exposure increased the width and depth of erosion, affecting additional fiber layers. Delamination primarily followed the direction of the first fiber layer, with the top layer lifting and fibers severing due to induced shear stress below the surface. This study's approach shows promise in quickly predicting and measuring erosive wear on composites, enhancing understanding of solid-liquid interactions during accelerated erosion testing.
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published
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570
Pages / Article No.
205957
Publisher
Elsevier
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Subject
Carbon Fibre Composite; Droplet Erosion; Delamination; Electron microscopy; Micro-computed tomography; Green Energy