Development and implementation of a shuttle modal inspection systemOne of the major tasks between Space Shuttle flights is inspection of the orbiter subsystems such as control surfaces, vertical tail, and wings. To date, inspection techniques have consisted primarily of visual and X-ray methods, which are not only time consuming but not as comprehensive as desired. Previous shuttle component and orbiter ground modal testing revealed that orbiter component damage could be identified using standard modal test methods. As a result, NASA has procured a dedicated shuttle modal inspection system (SMIS) that will be used for subsystem inspection. This paper presents a background on the use of modal testing to detect shuttle component damage, details on this new implementation, and an early use of the SMIS capability to investigate a potential orbiter vibration problem.
Document ID
19910050932
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hunt, David L. (SDRC, Inc. Engineering Services Div., San Diego, CA, United States)
Weiss, Stanley P. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
West, Walter M. (Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Dunlap, Terry A. (SDRC, Inc. San Diego, CA, United States)
Freesmeyer, Sam (SDRC, Inc. San Diego, CA, United States)