High resolution photothermal imaging of metal matrix composite interface

Using photothermal measurements as a new NDE method opens an application field of increasing interest for material characterization. As this high resolution micro-NDE especially applies to the near surface range of materials, it should be able to characterize material interfaces. In this paper, the interface of zinc alloy metal matrix composites (MMC) were investigated by the photothermal microscope. Experimental results showed that the clear image of the MMC interface and the variation of interfacial condition controlled by fabrication process parameters can be indicated at different measuring frequencies. Furthermore, theoretical model and simulation were studied to correlate the experimental works