Detection of Defects in Composite Structures by using ESPI

In this paper, artificial and real defects(delamination and debond) in composite structures were detected by using ESPI system. Three types of specimens, that is, composite laminates, honeycomb structures, and adhesive joints, were used to study the applicability of ESPI to composite structures. To detect defects in specimens, we selected thermal loading method that can easily induce the surface deformation of specimen. Experimental results show that defects in composite structures could be easily detected by ESPI. Moreover, it shows that ESPI could be usefully applied to the detection of defects in various composite structures