What does shearography testing primarily create?

Shearography testing is a form of non-destructive testing that leverages interference patterns produced by laser illumination to evaluate the integrity of materials. It is particularly effective in detecting defects such as cracks, delaminations, and other anomalies in structures, especially composites.

The technique works by comparing the surface deformation of a material under different load conditions. When the structure is subjected to stress, subtle changes occur in surface displacement that are captured and analyzed. The resulting images, which show these displacement patterns, offer valuable insights into the structural integrity by visualizing the differences between unloaded and loaded states. This makes it possible to identify areas of weakness or failure that might not be visible through traditional inspection methods.

While other options describe various forms of imaging or analysis in material testing, the specific focus on visualizing the differences between the unloaded and loaded states aligns precisely with the outcomes of shearography testing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how materials respond to load, which is critical in assessing their reliability and performance.