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Thermographic nondestructive evaluation of the space shuttle main engine nozzle
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Russell, Samuel S. Walker, James L. Caraccioli, Paul Lansing, Matthew D. |
| Copyright Year | 2000 |
| Description | The methods and results presented in this summary address the thermographic identification of interstitial leaks in the Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzles. A highly sensitive digital infrared camera is used to record the minute cooling effects associated with a leak source, such as a crack or pinhole, hidden within the nozzle wall by observing the inner "hot wall" surface as the nozzle is pressurized. These images are enhanced by digitally subtracting a thermal reference image taken before pressurization, greatly diminishing background noise. The method provides a nonintrusive way of localizing the tube that is leaking and the exact leak source position to within a very small axial distance. Many of the factors that influence the inspectability of the nozzle are addressed; including pressure rate, peak pressure, gas type, ambient temperature and surface preparation. |
| File Size | 749432 |
| File Format | |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 2000-01-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Spacecraft Propulsion And Power Leakage Nondestructive Tests Cooling Interstitials Digital Cameras Gas Temperature Background Noise Pinholes Cracks Sensitivity Nozzle Walls Cameras Infrared Radiation Thermography Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
