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Terahertz Computed Tomography of NASA Thermal Protection System MaterialsA terahertz axial computed tomography system has been developed that uses time domain measurements in order to form cross-sectional image slices and three-dimensional volume renderings of terahertz-transparent materials. The system can inspect samples as large as 0.0283 cubic meters (1 cubic foot) with no safety concerns as for x-ray computed tomography. In this study, the system is evaluated for its ability to detect and characterize flat bottom holes, drilled holes, and embedded voids in foam materials utilized as thermal protection on the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. X-ray micro-computed tomography was also performed on the samples to compare against the terahertz computed tomography results and better define embedded voids. Limits of detectability based on depth and size for the samples used in this study are loosely defined. Image sharpness and morphology characterization ability for terahertz computed tomography are qualitatively described.
Document ID
20110014191
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Roth, D. J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Reyes-Rodriguez, S.
(Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Zimdars, D. A.
(Picometrix, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Rauser, R. W.
(Toledo Univ. Toledo, OH, United States)
Ussery, W. W.
(Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. Denver, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2011
Subject Category
Quality Assurance And Reliability
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2011-216982
E-17623
Meeting Information
Meeting: 38th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation
Location: Burlington, VT
Country: United States
Start Date: July 17, 2011
End Date: July 22, 2011
Sponsors: Iowa State Univ.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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