Recent aerospace composites testing standards include:
- ASTM E2533, Guide for Nondestructive Testing of Polymer Matrix Composites Used in Aerospace Applications, which helps engineers select appropriate NDT methods to examine and characterise aerospace composites;
- ASTM E2662, Practice for Radiologic Examination of Flat Panel Composites and Sandwich Core Materials Used in Aerospace Applications, which provides process control requirements for film and digital radiography of aerospace composite panels;
- ASTM E2580, Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Flat Panel Composites and Sandwich Core Materials Used in Aerospace Applications;
- ASTM E2581, Practice for Shearography of Polymer Matrix Composites, Sandwich Core Materials and Filament-Wound Pressure Vessels Used in Aerospace Applications; and
- ASTM E2582, Practice for Infrared Flash Thermography of Composite Panels and Repair Patches Used in Aerospace Applications.
The ASTM is now moving forward with the development of proposed guides and practices for the testing and inspection of more complex composite components, such as composite overwrapped pressure vessels.
