Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the principal method for laser shearography non-destructive inspection (NDI) of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Out-of-plane surface displacement gradients are monitored, using coaxial illumination and observation perpendicular to the part surface. Defect detection relies on local influences on the global surface deformation from sub-surface anomalies under the selected loading regime.

This document is applicable to both monolithic and sandwich FRP laminate constructions, with or without curved surfaces, fibre-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic matrix composites incorporating uni- or multi-directional reinforcements in either a continuous or discontinuous format; including but not limited to woven fabrics, stitched fabrics, short fibre, or particulate filled, honeycomb or foam cores, as well as combination or hybrid reinforcements.

The method can be used to detect and measure a wide range of manufacturing and in-service defects in these materials. The technique has the advantages of being fast, non-contact and suitable for inspecting large areas, with portable, real-time, and in-situ measurement capabilities. Laser shearography enables detection of imperfections/discontinuities which are detrimental to the performance or ultimate strength of the material.This document is not applicable to variations on this basic configuration.