NDE of the space shuttle orbiter thermal protection system: Phase 2 final report
Research continued on the development of a nondestructive evaluation technique for inspecting bonds on the space shuttle orbiter thermal protection system tiles. The approach taken uses a noncontacting laser sensor to measure the vibrational response of bonded tiles to acoustical excitation. Laboratory work concentrated on investigating the dynamic response of ''acreage'' tiles, i.e., tiles covering the underside of the orbiter, all approximately square. A number of promising unbond signatures have been identified in the time and frequency domain response. Field tests were conducted to study environmental effects on the techniques being developed. The ambient motion of the orbiter was found to be larger than expected, necessitating modifications to current techniques. 2 refs., 21 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 6188149
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-MS-8425; ON: DE89010975
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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42 ENGINEERING
SPACE VEHICLE COMPONENTS
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THERMAL SHIELDS
BONDING
PROGRESS REPORT
SPACE SHUTTLES
AIRCRAFT
DOCUMENT TYPES
FABRICATION
JOINING
MATERIALS TESTING
SHIELDS
SPACE VEHICLES
TESTING
VEHICLES
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