DETECTION OF LOW-VELOCITY IMPACT DAMAGE IN GLASS EPOXY TUBES BY THE PENETRANT METHOD/

In this study, detection possibility of different types of defects pro duced as a result of low-velocity transverse impact loading on (+/-45 degrees(2), 90 degrees) S-glass and (+/-54 degrees(3), 90 degrees) E-g lass fibre-reinforced epoxy tubular specimens were investigated. Visua l inspection, water-washable red dye, water-washable fluorescent and p ost-emulsified fluorescent penetrant systems were utilised for damage detection. A test set-up was designed and manufactured for producing l ow-velocity transverse impact at energy levels ranging between 3.5-8.5 J. Cracks of different size and nature, and delamination zones caused by impact were detected using the above-mentioned non-destructive ins pection techniques. Results obtained from each system are presented in tabular form, allowing quantitative comparison.