There are Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Non-Destructive
Inspection (NDI) methods for evaluating the condition of laminates. Some of which don't require any physical alteration of the part (grinding), to the best of my knowledge. Which on this subject is quite limited. So it would be worth doing some
research on your part to find out what some of them are, & if it makes sense to apply them in this situation.
There are multiple
forums which cover a whole spectrum of NDT, & NDI. Plus of course companies which specialize in this kind of thing. With sub-specialization in material types, & in what applications a particular material is use. And if this is a path that you may take, there are some engineers on this forum who are familiar with this type of thing. I think that
leftbrainstuff may be of help on this. And perhaps
minaret, &
a64pilot. But as to who else, you'd have to ask around, & or, create a new thread.
I'd love to know what you find out. My (semi-educated) guess on this kind of thing is that such tests are done to determine the integrity of the reinforcing fibers in a laminate without having to destroy it &
rebuild it. Such as checking
keel floors in a
boat after a grounding, where no damage is apparent visually, but that more than a cursory (visual) inspection is desired.