ABSTRACT Polymer matrix composite structures with adhesively bonded rubber layers are being used for various industrial applications. The adhesive layer thickness (used for bonding composite and elastomer rubber layers) has to be uniform to achieve desired bond strength. However, this cannot be controlled in practical applications in industry as no physical measurements are possible for large structures. This paper reports application of single-sided portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) at a frequency of 12.88 MHz for the study of the adhesive layer thickness measurement as well as qualitative analysis of the adhesive layer used for bonding these materials. The effect of the shape of the sample on the proton NMR signal which is related indirectly to elastic properties was investigated. Results obtained on flat and curved glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite samples were compared. Studies showed there is a change in single-sided NMR depth profile data (slope of amplitude versus depth curve) due to changes in the shape of the composite structure. A multilayer sample with rubber and propellant bonded adhesively to the composite structure was also tested to study the effect of shape on the profile NMR data.