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Shearographic non-destructive evaluation of the space shuttle
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Hooker, Jeffery A. Davis, Christopher K. Tenbusch, Kenneth E. Simmons, Stephen M. |
| Copyright Year | 1995 |
| Description | Preliminary results of shearographic inspections of the shuttle external tank (ET) spray-on foam insulation (SOFI) and solid rocket booster (SRB) Marshall sprayable ablative (MSA-2) epoxy-cork thermal protection systems (TPS) and remote manipulator system (RMS) honeycomb are presented. Debonding SOFI or MSA-2 damage the orbiter belly tile and exposes the ET/SRB to thermal loading. Previous work with the ET/SRB showed promising results with shearography. The first area investigated was the jack pad close-out, one of many areas on the ET where foam is applied at KSC. Voids 0.375 inch were detected in 1.75 inch thick foam using a pressure reduction of less dm 0.4 psi. Of primary interest are areas of the ET that directly face the orbiter tile TPS. It is estimated that 90% of tile TPS damage on the orbiter 'belly' results from debonding SOFI during ascent. Test panels modeling these areas were manufactured with programmed debonds to determine the sensitivity of shearography as a function of debond size, SOFI thickness, and vacuum. Results show a Probability of Detection (POD) of .95 or better for of debonds with a diameter equal to the SOFI thickness at less than 0.4 psi pressure reduction. Preliminary results are also presented on inspections of MSA-2 and the remote manipulator system (RMS) honeycomb material. |
| File Size | 744862 |
| Page Count | 10 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_19960028755 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t7kq2xr7d |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 1995-12-08 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Space Transportation Sprayed Coatings Nondestructive Tests Shearography Cork Materials Space Shuttles Thermal Insulation Space Shuttle Boosters Foams Thickness External Tanks Debonding Materials Remote Manipulator System Honeycomb Structures Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports ServerĀ (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |