Research Progress and Future Trends in Ultrasonic Characterization of Fiber–Matrix Interfaces

Xiaofei Ji

doi:10.54691/b653bg94

Authors

Xiaofei Ji

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/b653bg94

Keywords:

Fiber–matrix interface, ultrasonic characterization, laser ultrasonics and guided waves, data-driven inversion and multimodal fusion, structural health monitoring.

Abstract

As the most critical yet weakest structural unit within composite materials, the fiber–matrix interface plays a decisive role in determining the overall strength and service life of the material. Ultrasonic characterization techniques, owing to their high sensitivity, quantitative capability, and potential for online monitoring, have become a vital approach for investigating interfacial damage and bonding performance. This paper provides a systematic review of the development of ultrasonic characterization methods for fiber–matrix interface evaluation over the past five decades, with particular emphasis on the major advancements since the 2010s in laser ultrasonics, guided wave inspection, multimodal data fusion, data-driven analysis, and inversion algorithm optimization. Furthermore, the representative applications and engineering trends of these methods in wind energy, aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering are discussed. Finally, in light of the recent rise of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and multiphysics modeling, the paper envisions future directions for ultrasonic interface characterization toward greater intelligence, real-time capability, and standardization.

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