The Composite Sector Problem

Unlike metallic structures:

• Damage is often not visible to the naked eye

• Damage often initiates internally first

• Failure can be sudden and catastrophic, with little to no warning signs

• No universally adopted standards exist for typical carbon fibre inspection methods

Most composites testing techniques remains proprietary (think Airbus, Boeing etc), resulting in:

• Inconsistent data quality

• Repair uncertainty

• Elevated insurer risk

• Limited industry competency to inspect composites

CarbonTest is solving this through continuous R&D, validation studies, and alignment with aerospace methodologies, giving owners, insurers and designers confidence in these advanced materials.

What is the best type of NDT for composites?

Like most NDT methods, there is no silver bullet that can test for everything. At CarbonTest we offer two main inspection solutions being Laser Shearography (dynamic excitation) and Ultrasonic Testing.
From the table you will see that these two methods when offered in combination give the best coverage of expected defects for carbon materials.
Reference: Scalvini, Professional BoatBuilder Dec/Jan 2021

Our Ambassador Yacht

CarbonTest sponsors a dedicated regatta yacht as a way to actively engage with the sailing community, promote safer composite practices, and demonstrate modern inspection techniques in a real marine environment.

Our participation at events and in regattas helps raise awareness about the importance of testing in high-performance sailing, where visual inspections alone often miss critical issues.

Its role includes:

• Community engagement at regattas, club events and marinas

• Demonstrating inspection methods (UT, shearography analysis examples, lightning-strike assessments, etc.)

• Educating owners & sailors about subsurface defects

• Building relationships with race teams, boatyards, insurers and riggers

• Promoting CarbonTest services across Australia’s racing and cruising fleets

Vessel Overview

The brief for the yacht was, affordable, fast, fun, lifting keel, a head for the ladies, road legal trailer and of course carbon mast and spars (not hull). We settled on the L30 with more details on the yacht being found here

FAQs

What is NDT?

Non-destructive testing uses technology to test composites without damaging them. Our main choice of NDT methods for carbon fibre are laser shearography supported by ultrasonics.

Which industries do you serve?

We support racing yachts, superyachts, aerospace, defence, and owners of high end sporting gear.

How is Carbontest different?

Our methods align with aerospace standards and ongoing research and development (R&D) ensures reliable, validated composite inspections. Due to the formal R&D programs we are able to best understand the approach and limitations with NDT testing of composites.

Can you mobilise to my location?

Yes, both laser shearography and ultrasonics are portable test units that can be deployed at your location. Note that we are unable to do laser shearograpy on the water, the assets will need to be on the hard to test using this method.

Who benefits from your service?

Owners, insurers, and manufactures gain confidence in tested composite assets.