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Status of Thermal NDT of Space Shuttle Materials at NASASince the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, NASA has focused on improving advanced NDE techniques for the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels that comprise the orbiter's wing leading edge and nose cap. Various nondestructive inspection techniques have been used in the examination of the RCC, but thermography has emerged as an effective inspection alternative to more traditional methods. Thermography is a non-contact inspection method as compared to ultrasonic techniques which typically require the use of a coupling medium between the transducer and material. Like radiographic techniques, thermography can inspect large areas, but has the advantage of minimal safety concerns and the ability for single-sided measurements. Details of the analysis technique that has been developed to allow insitu inspection of a majority of shuttle RCC components is discussed. Additionally, validation testing, performed to quantify the performance of the system, will be discussed. Finally, the results of applying this technology to the Space Shuttle Discovery after its return from the STS-114 mission in July 2005 are discussed.
Document ID
20060010455
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Cramer, K. Elliott (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Winfree, William P. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Hodges, Kenneth (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Koshti, Ajay (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ryan, Daniel (United Space Alliance Cape Canaveral, FL, United States)
Rweinhardt, Walter W. (Boeing Co. Huntington Beach, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 9th Joint FAA/DoD/NASA Conference on Aging Aircraft
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: March 6, 2006
End Date: March 9, 2006
Sponsors: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense, NASA Langley Research Center
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 816-06-03-03-05
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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