Advanced NDT
Laser shearography
Laser shearography finds disbonds, delaminations, core damage and impact damage in composite and bonded structures by looking at how the surface deforms under a small load. It covers large areas quickly, does not touch the part and needs no couplant, which is why it is used on aerospace sandwich panels, radomes, wind-turbine blades and composite repairs.
How shearography works
The surface is illuminated with laser light and imaged through a shearing optic, which overlaps two slightly offset copies of the image. The part is then stressed gently, by a slight vacuum, a thermal pulse or vibration, and a second image is taken. Subtracting the two shows the gradient of surface deformation. A disbond or delamination deforms differently from sound material around it and appears as a characteristic fringe pattern.
The loading method is chosen to suit the flaw sought: vacuum for near-surface disbonds in sandwich panels, thermal loading for delaminations, vibration for some bond-line flaws.
Typical applications
- Honeycomb and foam-core sandwich panels: skin-to-core disbonds and core crush.
- Monolithic composite laminates: delaminations and impact damage.
- Bonded and composite repairs: verification of the bond after repair.
- Wind-turbine blades, radomes and composite pressure vessels.
Limits to know
- Sensitivity falls with depth; deep flaws in thick laminates may need UT.
- Results are qualitative maps; flaw size is measured from the image against reference standards.
How we deliver it
Laser shearography is carried out to a written procedure approved for the scope, naming the code and edition, the equipment and calibration, the coverage and the acceptance criteria. The procedure and each technician’s certification are submitted for the client’s review before mobilisation.
Work is planned and supervised by ASNT Level III personnel; our founder holds ASNT NDT Level III in UT, RT, MT, PT and VT. Reports state the coverage achieved and any limitations, so the engineer reading them knows what was examined and what was not, and any reportable finding is raised the same day.
Governing codes and standards
- ASTM E2581 (shearography of polymer matrix composites and sandwich core materials in aerospace)
- Customer and OEM procedures (e.g. aircraft structural repair manuals) where they apply
- NAS 410 / EN 4179 personnel requirements for aerospace work, met by the inspecting personnel
What you receive
- Shearogram images with flaw outlines and sizes
- Coverage map of the inspected area
- Disposition against the applicable acceptance criteria
Industries served
- Aerospace and defence
- Wind energy
- Marine composites
- Composite pressure vessels
Frequently asked questions
What flaws does laser shearography detect?
Disbonds, delaminations, core damage, wrinkles and impact damage in composite and bonded structures, by detecting how the surface deforms differently over the flaw under a small applied load.
Talk to an inspection engineer
Send the equipment list or drawings, the inspection you need and your timing. Quotes are prepared for each scope and region.
Request a QuoteRequest an inspection quote (RFQ)
Tell us the asset, the method, where it is, the governing code, your dates, the size of the job and the report you need. We reply with questions or a quote. Affordable, accessible, fully customizable — no published pricing.
Or email the same details to info@atlantisndt.com. Mobilisation: North America; confirm your location in your RFQ.
Speak to an ASNT NDT Level III
Atlantis NDT provides ASNT Level III consulting, NDT training to ASNT SNT-TC-1A, inspection management software and independent report validation. Request a free consultation and we will return a tailored quote — affordable, accessible and fully customizable to your programme.