It is described how Laser Shearography has been used for nondestructive testing (NDT) of composite components in aerospace production environments over the last decades concerning some prestigious applications.
The principle behind Laser Shearography is explained and how technological development has further modernized the technique, using modular sensors on computer-controlled robotic arms and advanced software. These features of the state-of-the-art Shearography systems result in an increased probability of detection (POD) and perform defect characterization on complex composite structures such as helicopter rotor blades, aircraft sub-assemblies, and spacecraft components. The method suits indeed for the detection of a wide range of defects, including disbonds, delamination, cracks, wrinkles, crushed core, fluid ingress, repair defects, voids, foreign objects, and barely visible impact damage.
Over the years Dantec Dynamics has supplied many solutions for the aerospace industry. With reference to specific customer projects several of these cases are examined to outline the advantages of using Laser Shearography for automated defect detection. The uniqueness of this technology is described:
– It’s an NDT method that is ideally suited for the structural evaluation of bond lines
– It’s a non-contact method that can be automated for easy and fast inspection of large areas, saving time and money
As composite manufacturing matures and production rates continue to increase, NDT systems that can be integrated inline and achieve 100% inspection are key to success. Automated Laser Shearography constitutes an efficient and customizable means to attain that goal.
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