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Application of Eddy Current Techniques for Orbiter Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Structural Health MonitoringThe development and application of advanced nondestructive evaluation techniques for the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) components of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Leading Edge Structural Subsystem (LESS) was identified as a crucial step toward returning the shuttle fleet to service. In order to help meet this requirement, eddy current techniques have been developed for application to RCC components. Eddy current technology has been found to be particularly useful for measuring the protective coating thickness over the reinforced carbon-carbon and for the identification of near surface cracking and voids in the RCC matrix. Testing has been performed on as manufactured and flown RCC components with both actual and fabricated defects representing impact and oxidation damage. Encouraging initial results have led to the development of two separate eddy current systems for in-situ RCC inspections in the orbiter processing facility. Each of these systems has undergone blind validation testing on a full scale leading edge panel, and recently transitioned to Kennedy Space Center to be applied as a part of a comprehensive RCC inspection strategy to be performed in the orbiter processing facility after each shuttle flight.
Document ID
20050217465
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Wincheski, Buzz (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Simpson, John (Lockheed Martin Space Operations Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 32nd Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation
Location: Brunswick, ME
Country: United States
Start Date: July 31, 2005
End Date: August 5, 2005
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 23-376-70-30-05
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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