Abstract: An apparatus includes a positioner. The apparatus includes a striker axially movable in the positioner. The striker includes a striker inner end. The apparatus includes a force gauge axially movable in the positioner. The force gauge includes a force gauge inner end. The force gauge inner end is in communication with the striker inner end. Optionally, the striker defines at least one fluid passage axially therethrough.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection method for composite structures, including thick core structures, is disclosed that imparts a vibration force into the structure and analyzes the response over a range of frequencies to find possible damaged areas. The composite structure is struck to induce vibration at a series of test points and the response of the composite structure as a function of acceleration at each test point is measured. The structural anomalies in the composite structure occur at structural stiffness irregularities near anomalies and are detected with a Gapped Smoothing Method operating on the data and plotting a structural irregularity index as a function of frequency and position.