1. A method of nondestructive testing and evaluation of signals representative of characteristics of an object under test, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a data base comprising data indicative of predetermined characteristics of said object under test, (b) positioning transducer means relative to said object under test in response to data in said data base, (c) receiving an energy waveform emanating from said object under test at said transducer means after said positioning, (d) performing an analysis at selected points on said waveform to extract waveform features thereof, (e) comparing the extracted waveform features of said analysis with said data base by a cluster test, (f) classifying said waveform features from said comparison, and (g) indicating the existence and parameters of said characteristics of said object under rest from said classifying.