Millimeter wave detection of localized anomalies in the space shuttle external fuel tank insulating foam and acreage heat tiles

S. Kharkovsky, J. T. Case, R. Zoughi, F. Hepburn

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[Undesired manufactured or in-service produced anomalies in the form of voids in the SOFI and unbonds in the heat tiles can significantly reduce their designed effectiveness. Additionally, unbonds in the heat tiles may cause their complete separation from the fuselage exposing it to extreme heat. Millimeter wave NDT methods are viable candidate for life-cycle inspection of the SOFI and the acreage heat tiles of the Space Shuttle fleet. The results of these investigations described in this paper clearly showed the utility of these methods for detecting localized anomalies in thick SOFI and acreage heat tiles. These methods are fast and robust and the systems used to produce these images are small, real-time and provide a significant amount of useful information about the nature of an anomaly (e.g., size, location, etc.) without the need for complex image processing. This investigation is currently ongoing and additional results will be provided in the final paper.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationIMTC/05: Proceedings of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference: Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 16-19 May 2005
    PublisherIEEE
    Pages1527-1530
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)780388801
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2005
    EventIEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference -
    Duration: 16 May 2005 → …

    Publication series

    Name
    ISSN (Print)1091-5281

    Conference

    ConferenceIEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference
    Period16/05/05 → …

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Millimeter wave detection of localized anomalies in the space shuttle external fuel tank insulating foam and acreage heat tiles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this