Nondestructive examination of paint coatings using the thermal wave interferometry technique

The thermal wave interferometry technique is used as a means of assessing paint coatings on metal and nonmetal substrates. The noncontact technique employs a modulated laser and infrared detection of thermal waves. The experimental results presented include measurements showing the suitability of the technique for nondestructive examination of paint coatings on mild steel and fiber-reinforced composite substrates. (Author)