A method for determining a shear property of a sample includes supporting a sample at three or more separate support locations about a periphery of a first surface of the sample in a testing fixture, the sample including a second surface separated from the first surface by a thickness, wherein the sample is axisymmetric about an axis that is orthogonal to the first surface. The method includes applying a load on the second surface of the sample with a load applicator in a direction substantially parallel with the axis, measuring, with a controller, shear testing data of the sample in response to applying the load, and determining, with the controller, a shear property of the sample from the measured shear testing data.

A system for testing bonded joints that comprises a swing tool, an actuator, pressure measuring device and a first fixing arrangement. The actuator of the system is configured to apply a compression force or a traction force on the swing tool in order to separate two elements, and the pressure measuring device is configured to measure the force applied on the swing tool. A method for testing bonded joints using the system is also provided.

A system for providing active real-time characterization of an article under test. A broadband infrared light source outputs a beam of infrared light. The infrared light source is configured to direct the beam of infrared light at a particular area on the article under test. A broadband IR light detector is configured to receive a first predetermined return beam of light from the particular area on the article under test. A processor receives signals from the broadband IR light detector and calculates in real time a spectrally sensitive signal. The processor analyzes the calculated signal to ensure that the article under test conforms to an expected value.