For the past two years the potential applications of computed tomography to the fabrication and overhaul of the Space Shuttle Main Engine were evaluated. Application tests were performed at various government and manufacturer facilities with equipment produced by four different manufacturers. The hardware scanned varied in size and complexity from a small temperature sensor and turbine blades to an assembled heat exchanger and main injector oxidizer inlet manifold. The evaluation of capabilities included the ability to identify and locate internal flaws, measure the depth of surface cracks, measure wall thickness, compare manifold design contours to actual part contours, perform automatic dimensional inspections, generate 3D computer models of actual parts, and image the relationship of the details in a complex assembly. The capabilities evaluated, with the exception of measuring the depth of surface flaws, demonstrated the existing and potential ability to perform many beneficial Space Shuttle Main Engine applications.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space shuttle main engine computed tomography applications


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1990-12-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Space Shuttle Main Engine

    Thompson, J. R., Jr. | NTRS | 1980


    Space Shuttle Main Engine

    Thompson, J. R., Jr. | NTRS | 1977


    Space Shuttle Main Engine evolutions

    Worlund, A. / Hastings, J. | AIAA | 2001


    Space shuttle main engine controller

    Mattox, R. M. / White, J. B. | NTRS | 1981


    The Space Shuttle Main Engine

    Castenholz, P. D. | NTRS | 1973