Evaluation of holographic subsurface radar for NDE of space shuttle thermal protection tiles

Thomas Lu; Cooper Snapp; Tien-Hsin Chao; Anilkumar Thakoor; Tim Bechtel; Sergey Ivashov; Igor Vasiliev

doi:10.1117/12.719911

3 May 2007 Evaluation of holographic subsurface radar for NDE of space shuttle thermal protection tiles

Thomas Lu, Cooper Snapp, Tien-Hsin Chao, Anilkumar Thakoor, Tim Bechtel, Sergey Ivashov, Igor Vasiliev

Proceedings Volume 6555, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications; 65550S (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.719911
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Experiments have been carried out to evaluate holographic subsurface radar (RASCAN) for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of subnominal bond conditions between the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System tiles and the aluminum substrate. Initial results have shown detection of small voids and spots of moisture between Space Shuttle thermal protection tiles and underlying aluminum substrate. The characteristic feature of this device is the ability to obtain one-sided radar soundings/images with high sensitivity (detecting of wire of 20 micron and less in diameter), and high resolution (2 cm lateral resolution) in the frequency band of 3.6-4.0 GHz. JPL's advanced high-speed image processing and pattern recognition algorithms can be used to process the data generated by the holographic radar and automatically detect and measure the defects. Combining JPL's technologies with the briefcase size, portable RASCAN system will produce a simple and fully automated scanner capable of inspecting dielectric heat shielding materials or other spacecraft structures for cracks, voids, inclusions, delamination, debonding, etc.. We believe this technology holds promise to significantly enhance the safety of the Space Shuttle and the future CEV and other space exploration missions.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas Lu, Cooper Snapp, Tien-Hsin Chao, Anilkumar Thakoor, Tim Bechtel, Sergey Ivashov, and Igor Vasiliev "Evaluation of holographic subsurface radar for NDE of space shuttle thermal protection tiles", Proc. SPIE 6555, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications, 65550S (3 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.719911

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available