Bibliometric Insights into Advances in Nondestructive Testing Techniques for Delamination Detection

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of advances in nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques for delamination detection, based on 4,382 publications indexed in Scopus from 2021 to 2025. Using advanced bibliometric methods and the biblioshiny package in R, the analysis evaluates annual scientific production, citation trends, thematic focus, and collaboration patterns. The results reveal a peak in research output in 2024, followed by a marked decline in 2025, alongside a steady decrease in average citations per article. “Delamination,” “composite,” “ultrasonic,” and “infrared thermography” are identified as core research themes. The field is dominated by a few prolific journals, authors, and institutions most notably in China which account for the majority of scientific output and impact. These findings illuminate evolving research priorities, highlight central contributors, and offer critical perspectives on the development, concentration, and future directions of NDT for delamination detection.