Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University are developing general-purpose equipment for non-destructive testing of composite materials applied in hydrogen economy and nuclear power. The equipment will combine two methods of non-destructive testing: ultrasonic and thermal (infrared). Nowadays, there is no alternative equipment in Russia. The project is being implemented with the support of the Priority 2030 program by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
Non-destructive testing is the detection of flaws in materials without their damage. During the recent decades in the industry, including hydrogen economy, composite materials, which are known as a new type of materials, are heavily being applied. For instance, hydrogen tanks are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, one of the most promising composite materials. It is distinguished by its durability, lightweight and anti-corrosion properties.
The search for an optimal method for detecting flaws in new materials is a task that the research community is facing now. The ultrasonic and thermal methods of non-destructive testing, frequently used for this purpose, possess a series of disadvantages in case of the composite materials.
The TPU scientists are developing the general-purpose equipment for non-destructive testing, which will combine both methods. The researchers of two TPU laboratories are engaged in the project: these are experts from the TPU International Research Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing and the R&D Laboratory for Thermal Testing.
“A year ago, our Laboratories found areas of common interest. Our TPU School of Non-Destructive Testing receives research samples, including for hydrogen economy. During the research work, there was detected that testing, that was not capable of using ultrasonic non-destructive testing, was capable of using thermal non-destructive testing and vice versa. Our joint research project aims at combining the advantages and compensating for disadvantages of both methods,”
comments Vladimir Vavilov, head of the TPU R&D Laboratory for Thermal Testing.
At the moment, the scientists are conducting basic experiments using composite materials. The research works will become a foundation to create the robotic equipment, which will include the two methods of non-destructive testing. The scientists suppose that in the long run, such equipment can be applied not only in hydrogen economy and nuclear power but also in the aircraft industry and other spheres.