Sonic IR imaging enjoys the advantages of precise defect positioning

high thermal SNR (signal to noise ratio)

material suitability

etc. It has shown good capabilities of detecting defects in aeronautical materials and key components

such as engine blades

landing gears

wings

honeycomb sandwiched structures

etc. Firstly

the working principle and system configuration of sonic IR imaging are introduced. Then

the development of sonic IR imaging is reviewed from seven main aspects

i.e.

vibration characteristic

heating characteristic

simulation modelling

testing condition

thermal image processing defect identification

defect detectability

and application. The features of sonic IR imaging are also highlighted. Additionally

a detailed description of defect detection for aeronautical metals and composites is summarized. Finally

the future trends of sonic IR imaging are discussed

which provide certain references for its research and application in testing aeronautical materials.