Computer-linked acoustic emission (AE) monitoring instrumentation can record noises associated with crack growth in a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) component when it is proof tested, locate the source, and measure a number of parameters describing the wave form of the acoustic events. The use of AE to characterize the integrity of FRP structural components and then predict the performance of a part can be a valuable quality control tool. Having such a mechanism of quality assurance would be of tremendous value to the automotive industry by generating confidence in using this “new” material in place of steel in structural components.