Developments in Laser Shock Adhesion Test (LASAT)

This paper discusses the principles of laser shock adhesion testing, a nonintrusive method for measuring the bonding strength of coatings. The technique uses a laser to generate a thermal shock in the substrate, while Doppler laser interferometry is used to detect detachments. An application example is presented in which the method is employed to measure the adhesion strength of a plasma-sprayed copper coating on an aluminum substrate. The results are compared with numerical simulations of shock wave propagation. Paper includes a German-language abstract.