Leak checking and evaluation of pressure vessels by observing the slight temperature changes resulting from structural anomalies has been made possible through developments in high resolution infrared cameras and advanced image processing. These developments have made thermal nondestructive analysis a very practical and efficient method to determine material consistency and structural quality as well as monitor processes. The Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle has regions which can not be inspected with standard leak check methods. The Thermographic methods being developed to nondestructively test the Nozzle for leaks in inaccessible regions are reported. Also, a flash heating Thermographic investigation of the braze line bonding the cooling tubes to the outer structural jacket of the nozzle is reported.
Detection, Location, and Classification of Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle Leaks by Transient Thermographic Inspection
1998
9 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Jet & Gas Turbine Engines , Space Technology , Meetings , Detection , Position(Location) , Classifications , Space shuttle main engine , Nozzle design , Leakage , Thermography , Inspection , Thermal analysis , Pressure vessels , Nondestructive tests , Metal bonding , Jackets , Infrared imagery , Image processing , High resolution