NDI – Non-Destructive Inspection of Composite & Bonded Structures

Overview

Modern composite and bonded structures demand inspection methods that go far beyond traditional metallic inspection techniques. This NDI / NDT / NDE (Non-Destructive Inspection, Testing, and Evaluation) course provides a comprehensive, hands-on overview of state-of-the-art inspection, testing, and evaluation technologies used to detect, characterize, and assess flaws in composite materials across highly regulated industries.

Designed for professionals working in aviation, aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy, this course emphasizes practical application, correct methodology, and a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each inspection technique.

Course Description

This intensive 5-day course focuses on the inspection, testing, and evaluation of composite and bonded structures, with particular attention to damage mechanisms unique to fiber-reinforced materials. Participants gain both theoretical grounding and hands-on experience using commonly employed NDI technologies.

The operation and application of conventional ultrasonic testing, mechanical impedance testing, and infrared thermography are practiced throughout the course. Their advantages, limitations, and suitability for different composite configurations and damage scenarios are examined in detail.

Participants will also fabricate composite reference standards, gaining critical insight into correct and incorrect design practices, embedded flaw creation, and the impact reference standard quality has on inspection reliability and repeatability.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• -> Understand damage mechanisms specific to composite and bonded structures
• -> Select appropriate NDI, NDT, and NDE techniques based on material type, structure, and damage scenario
• -> Operate ultrasonic, mechanical impedance, and infrared thermography equipment
• -> Interpret inspection results and recognize technique limitations
• -> Design and fabricate composite reference standards for inspection calibration and validation

Topics Covered

• -> Composite materials in modern structures and current industry applications
• -> Fiber-reinforced composites, including carbon fiber, aramid, glass, hybrid fabrics, and fiber-metal laminates
• -> Materials and processes used in the fabrication of composite reference standards
• -> Basic laminate design and essential theory behind fiber laminate structures
• -> Damage types and assessment methods in composite materials
• -> Practical application of:
  1. ——> Ultrasonic inspection techniques
  2. ——> Mechanical impedance testing
  3. ——> Infrared thermography
  4. ——>  Radiographic inspection methods
• -> Inspection of fabricated test panels and actual aircraft components
• -> Fabrication of composite test panels for embedded flaw characterization

Hands-On Training

This course places strong emphasis on practical inspection experience. Trainees fabricate multiple composite test panels containing embedded defects and use them to practice inspection, calibration, and flaw characterization techniques under instructor guidance.

Duration

5 days

Prerequisites

Registrants should be familiar with NDI / NDT / NDE principles and technologies, in reference to:

• CGSB standards
• NAS 410
• ASNT Level II certification requirements

Accreditations

FAA – Federal Aviation
Acceptable toward Inspection Authorization (IA) Renewal Training

This course is delivered in a classroom-based, hands-on environment and is designed to strengthen inspection competency for professionals working with advanced composite and bonded structures.