ASTM E2580-17

5.1 This practice is intended primarily for the testing of flat panel composites and sandwich core panels to an acceptance criteria most typically specified in a purchase order or other contractual document.

5.2 Basis of Application—There are areas in this practice that require agreement between the cognizant engineering organization and the supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering organization.

1.1 This practice establishes two procedures for ultrasonic testing (UT) of flat panel composites and flat sandwich core panels (parallel surfaces). Typical as-fabricated lay-ups include uniaxial, cross ply and angle ply laminates; as well as honeycomb sandwich core materials. These procedures can be used throughout the life cycle of the materials; product and process design optimization, on line process control, after manufacture inspection, and in service inspection. Contact methods such as angle-beam techniques using shear waves, or surface-beam techniques using Lamb waves, are not discussed.

1.2 Ultrasonic testing is a common subsurface method for detection of laminar oriented discontinuities. Two techniques can be considered based on panel surface accessibility; pulse echo for one sided and through transmission (bubblers/squirters) for two sided. As used in this practice, both require the use of a pulsed straight-beam ultrasonic longitudinal wave followed by observing indications of either the reflected (pulse-echo) or received (through transmission) wave. The general types of anomalies detected by both techniques include foreign materials, delamination, disbond/un-bond, fiber de-bonding, inclusions, porosity, and voids.

1.3 This practice provides two ultrasonic test procedures. Each has its own merits and requirements for inspection and shall be selected as agreed upon in a contractual document.

1.4 This practice does not specify accept-reject criteria.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.