Status of thermal NDT of space shuttle materials at NASA

K. Elliott Cramer; William P. Winfree; Kenneth Hodges; Ajay Koshti; Daniel Ryan; Walter W. Reinhardt

doi:10.1117/12.669684

18 April 2006 Status of thermal NDT of space shuttle materials at NASA

K. Elliott Cramer, William P. Winfree, Kenneth Hodges, Ajay Koshti, Daniel Ryan, Walter W. Reinhardt

Proceedings Volume 6205, Thermosense XXVIII; 62051B (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669684
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

Since the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, NASA has focused on improving advanced NDE techniques for the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels that comprise the orbiter's wing leading edge and nose cap. Various nondestructive inspection techniques have been used in the examination of the RCC, but thermography has emerged as an effective inspection alternative to more traditional methods. Thermography is a non-contact inspection method as compared to ultrasonic techniques which typically require the use of a coupling medium between the transducer and material. Like radiographic techniques, thermography can inspect large areas, but has the advantage of minimal safety concerns and the ability for single-sided measurements. Details of the analysis technique that has been developed to allow in situ inspection of a majority of shuttle RCC components is discussed. Additionally, validation testing, performed to quantify the performance of the system, will be discussed. Finally, the results of applying this technology to the Space Shuttle Discovery after its return from the STS-114 mission in July 2005 are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

K. Elliott Cramer, William P. Winfree, Kenneth Hodges, Ajay Koshti, Daniel Ryan, and Walter W. Reinhardt "Status of thermal NDT of space shuttle materials at NASA", Proc. SPIE 6205, Thermosense XXVIII, 62051B (18 April 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669684

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