Acoustic examination of epoxy-glass insulator material

Ultrasonic, microscopic and acoustic emission (AE) methods
were applied to investigate the microstructure of composite rods, used as a
carrying element of the medium voltage insulators. Such features of material
structure as homogeneity level and the appearance of defects were discussed. The
research was aimed at determining the influence of the technology of epoxy-glass
fabrication on quality parameters of the insulator rods. The results of acoustic
testing were compared with the effects of microscopic investigation. Key words:
composite insulator, epoxy-glass material, nondestructive ultrasonic
measurements, acoustic emission.