Effects of porosity on ultrasonic attenuation coefficient, shear properties and failure mechanisms of CF/EP laminates.

Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite (CF/EP) laminates with porosity ranged from 0% to 2.5% were prepared under inadequate curing pressures, and then applied to ultrasonic, metallographic and mechanical testings. Porosity was evaluated using an ultrasonic attenuation model, which was established by taking consideration of surface losses, material attenuation coefficient and void attenuation coefficient.