A Radiographic Layer Counter for Composites.
Abstract
The Army helmet is a composite of layers of resin-bonded Kevlar. Inadvertent omission of layers or undetected shifting of layers during molding processes can reduce the effective number of fibers in some helmet areas and impair their strength properties. A nondestructive method of 100% testing of the helmets, more effective than random sampling by ballistic testing, is needed. This six-month study evaluated the feasibility of using relatively low-energy radioisotopes to guage the uniformity of Kelvar helmets. The potential for constructing a portable detection unit was also assessed. A laboratory radiometric test system was used to evaluate resin-bonded Kevlar samples, as well as actual Army helmets from current suppliers. It was found that the radiometric test system has the capacity to reflect the general condition of fabricated Kevlar helmets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240794
Entities
People
- Ronald E. Larsen