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Large Scale Shearography Inspection of the Space Shuttle External Fuel TankShearography was successfully used to inspect the damaged region of ET122 for nonvisible damage. The shearography inspection was extensive covering over 3100 square feet of foam and lasting 9 months. Most foam damage was visible and shearography results confirmed that foam damage in visibly impacted regions did not extend outside the area with visible damage. Of the 21 nonvisible defect indications detected with shearography, none were determined to be actual foam damage. Inspections were intentionally conservative since no experience base was available for debris damaged foam. Shearography results were used in conjunction with tactile and visual inspection to support the acceptance of the foam application allowing the tank to move forward for refurbishment.
Document ID
20100017430
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ussery, Warren
(Lockheed Martin Michoud Space Systems Huntsville, AL, United States)
Scheurer, Phillip
(Lockheed Martin Michoud Space Systems Huntsville, AL, United States)
Rivers, Joanna
(Lockheed Martin Michoud Space Systems Huntsville, AL, United States)
Walker, James
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Lovell, Donald
(Snyder Technical Services Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
March 22, 2010
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
M10-0407
Meeting Information
Meeting: ASNT Spring Conference 2010
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: March 22, 2010
End Date: March 26, 2010
Sponsors: American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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