Computed tomography (CT) provides highly accurate 3D analysis of internal microstructure, performance simulation of carbon fiber/PEEK satellite strut.

With the increasing adoption of fiber-reinforced composites, the capability to investigate and characterize parts in 3D is crucial. This is particularly important for high-performance applications where loading conditions can be extreme and demand absolute assurance of performance. The complex internal microstructure of composites underscores the need for 3D analysis, essential for detailed quality assessment and the generation of digital twins for high-fidelity performance simulation. Traditional nondestructive visual or surface diagnostic methods fall short in providing the necessary in-depth structural data analysis of a part. Instead, computed tomography (CT) can provide a basis for highly accurate 3D structural inspection and performance evaluation in applications for space, aerospace, automotive and new growth industries such as energy storage.

Using recent advances in scanning hardware, image reconstruction algorithms, high-performance computing and image analysis software (including AI-based techniques), unprecedented insight into the microstructure and internal geometry of composites can be provided. CT scans can be analyzed to extract properties and to create digital twins where individual properties including voids and other defects, fiber and metrology information, are applied to volumetric meshes. These digital twins enable accurate, high-fidelity finite element simulation for performance prediction. Importantly, characterization and modeling can be applied at both the input (raw material analysis) and output (completed parts and structures) stages of the manufacturing process.