Low cost digital shearography prototype

Abstract

Digital Shearography is an optical non-contacting non- destructive testing technique. The inspection method has found many applications and is particularly suited for amongst others, in-situ inspection of composite components for defects such as low velocity impact damage and delaminations. Due to advancing technologies smaller and more cost effective components are readily available for integration into such an inspection system. This paper presents the latest portable prototype developed at the University of Cape Town. The technique and it's application is described in detail. The layout and design of the prototype including camera, laser and optical configuration is outlined and presented. Using the system, initial results from inspections of a known defect sample is presented in an attempt to evaluate the performance of the prototype. The paper is concluded with a discussion of the results obtained and possible recommendations for refinements and improvements. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2014.