The influence factors of pulse infrared heat wave detection technology were studied through ANSYS finite element simulation and experiment. Taking glass fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber and thermal barrier coating as examples, simulation was carried out. The influences of environment and material defects on pulse infrared thermal wave detection were studied mainly. The ability of the detection technology for glass fiber reinforced plastics and carbon fiber was determined. Test was carried out for carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastics. The influence of experiment condition on detection was studied. The optimum experimental parameters for glass fiber reinforced plastics and carbon fiber were also given.