Inspection of composite materials by laser-ultrasonics

International audienceIn this paper, we describe a system that has been developed, which comprises a high power short pulse laser for ultrasound generation, a long pulse receiving laser for ultrasound detection, a demodulating interferometer, an optical scanner and a data analysis system for data acquisition and processing. Following many tests performed on composite parts in the laboratory, we present demonstration tests performed with this system on a CF-18 aircraft in a maintenance hangar. These tests show that the technology is now sufficiently advanced to be readily applicable to the inspection of detached components following manufacturing and for the in-service inspection of aircrafts. Recents developments of quantitative models which describe the generation of ultrasound in composite materials are outlined, as well as on-going improvements to the detection sensor