The Phase I program proposed will demonstrate the feasibility of using shearography to rapidly and effectively inspect the Navy's multi-layered composite core structures for critical defects that effect the integrity and/or performance of these structures. These advanced composite structures are used on ship board for superstructures and hulls, as well as for primary structure on naval aircraft. These materials provide high strength to weight ratios and signature reduction as long as no critical defects are present. Speckle interferometry, using the shearography method, has been successfully used for these inspections. The TQS proposed system will incorporate advances in the technology that will provide the capabilities desired, with a direct route to commercialization.
