Determination of void content in filament wound composites

The use of image analysis for the determination of fibre volume fraction void content and void distribution in translucent composite parts was developed in order to reduce time and cost of quality assurance while maintaining reliability. The apparatus and methods are described, advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and typical results are presented. The validity of results was checked using resin bum off and composite density techniques. On the basis of this it is suggested that the techniques described are more than adequate for the assessment of material quality for both development and production purposes.