Method and apparatus for detecting cords in composites

摘要

A method and apparatus for detecting anomalous cords (24) in reinforced composites (10) uses means to deform and/or vibrate the composite and detect the vibration signature of the composite. Broken or frayed reinforcement cords (24) in a reinforced composite cause changes in the vibration signature of the composite, and the apparatus used in the method of the invention employs a low damping material which is used in proximal contact to all the reinforcement cords (22) in the reinforced composite, and one or more sensors (26, 28, 30) to detect said changes. The apparatus may also include a computer for collating data, analyzing data, and providing a signal when an anomalous cord (24) is recognized.