Modeling and experimental evaluation of eddy-current probes for prepreg fiber waviness inspection
Mussatayev M. Yi Q.
January 2026Elsevier Ltd
NDT and E International
2026#157
Despite numerous efforts to achieve in-line inspection of uncured carbon fiber during manufacturing, standard non-destructive testing methods have yet to meet this challenge. High-intensity eddy currents generated by a figure-8 shaped elongated transmitter coil follow the paths of carbon fibers, enabling visualization of fiber waviness. An innovative finite element modeling (FEM) approach was implemented for precise simulation of current density distortions caused by surface waviness. To validate the proposed FEM method, this paper presents experimental findings on optimizing a directional eddy current testing (ECT) probe to detect in-plane waviness at the top surface of carbon fiber prepreg, along with a discussion of application challenges. This study explores the creation of six ECT probes by adjusting the angle between receiver coils of varying aspect ratios. Sensitivity assessments were conducted to examine the probes capabilities in detecting fiber features of interest. The results indicate that the selected probe design, featuring rectangular receivers and a 10-degree relative angle between receivers, is capable of in-line inspection of targeted defects with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 70. The effects of varying lift-off distance up to 1 mm on the selected probes sensitivity to targeted defects were examined, with optimal sensitivity observed at approximately 0.6 mm and a SNR exceeding 6.
Carbon fibre prepreg , Eddy current testing , Fiber waviness , Finite element modelling , Non-destructive testing
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School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, United Kingdom
Kazakhstan Institute of Non-Destructive Evaluation LLP, flat 367, 43 Saryarka avenue, Astana, Z10H9C3, Kazakhstan
Department of Aviation Technique and Technologies, Civil Aviation Academy, 44, Zakarpatskaya str., Almaty, 050039, Kazakhstan
Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
School of Electrical
Kazakhstan Institute of Non-Destructive Evaluation LLP
Department of Aviation Technique and Technologies
Department of Computer and Information Sciences
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