Three nondestructive evaluation methods are being developed to identify defects in the foam thermal protection system (TPS) of the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET). Shearography is being developed to identify shallow delaminations, shallow voids and crush damage in the foam while terahertz imaging and backscatter radiography are being developed to identify voids and cracks in thick foam regions. The basic theory of operation along with factors affecting the results of these methods will be described. Also, the evolution of these methods from lab tools to implementation on the ET will be discussed. Results from both test panels and flight tank inspections will be provided to show the range in defect sizes and types that can be readily detected.
The Evolution of Nondestructive Evaluation Methods for the Space Shuttle External Tank Thermal Protection System
American Society for Nondestructive Testing 2006 Spring Conference ; 2006 ; Orlando, FL, United States
2006-01-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Lightning protection design external tank (space shuttle)
Tema Archive | 1979
|Space Shuttle External Tank Instrumentation Evaluation
NTIS | 1979
|NTRS | 1973
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