BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ON NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING IN AEROSPACE

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace, emphasising trends, collaborations, and advancements. Using Scopus data and VOSviewer software, 1,385 publications spanning 2014 to 2025 were analysed. The methodology included keyword co-occurrence, citation analysis, and collaborative network visualisation to identify influential authors, emerging topics, and interdisciplinary connections. Results indicate a steady increase in publications, peaking in 2024, reflecting sustained global interest and advancements in aerospace NDT. Dominant keywords include "non-destructive testing," "structural health monitoring," and "composites," highlighting a primary focus on structural integrity and material evaluation. Recent trends show the integration of artificial intelligence, evidenced by the rise of terms such as "machine learning" and "deep learning," signalling a shift toward digitalised, intelligent NDT systems. Collaboration analysis revealed distinct author clusters and international partnerships, with significant contributions from China, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), supported by major funding organisations. Integrating engineering, materials science, and emerging technologies like infrared thermography and additive manufacturing underscores the field’s interdisciplinary nature. Findings also reveal an evolving focus on lightweight composite materials and advanced defect detection methods, essential for aerospace safety and efficiency. This study concludes that bibliometric analysis is a valuable tool for identifying research gaps, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and guiding future innovations in aerospace NDT.