1.1This practice describes procedures for shearography of polymer matrix composites and sandwich core materials made entirely or in part from fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites. The composite materials under consideration typically contain continuous high modulus (greater than 20 GPa (3×106 psi)) fibers, but may also contain discontinuous fiber, fabric, or particulate reinforcement.

1.2This practice describes established shearography procedures that are currently used by industry and federal agencies that have demonstrated utility in quality assurance of polymer matrix composites and sandwich core materials during product process design and optimization, manufacturing process control, after manufacture inspection, and in service inspection.

1.3This practice has utility for testing of polymer matrix composites and sandwich core materials containing but not limited to bismaleimide, epoxy, phenolic, poly(amideimide), polybenzimidazole, polyester (thermosetting and thermoplastic), poly(ether ether ketone), poly(ether imide), polyimide (thermosetting and thermoplastic), poly(phenylene sulfide), or polysulfone matrices; and alumina, aramid, boron, carbon, glass, quartz, or silicon carbide fibers. Typical as-fabricated geometries include uniaxial, cross-ply and angle-ply laminates; as well as honeycomb and foam core sandwich materials and structures.

1.4This practice does not specify accept-reject criteria and is not intended to be used as a means for approving polymer matrix composites or sandwich core materials for service.

1.5To ensure proper use of the referenced standards, there are recognized nondestructive testing (NDT) specialists that are certified according to industry and company NDT specifications. It is recommended that an NDT specialist be a part of any composite component design, quality assurance, in-service maintenance, or damage examination activity.

1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.