Space Qualified Non-Destructive Evaluation and Structural Health Monitoring Technology, Phase II

Encouraged by Phase I accomplishments, the proposed Phase II program will significantly mature and align the development of a Space Qualified Non-Destructive Evaluation & Health Monitoring system with the needs of NASA. We are systematically working to improve the TRL to 5 at the end of Phase II and formulate commercialization and product development strategy beyond Phase II. The proposed health monitoring system features three innovative technologies: excitation of preferential Lamb/Rayleigh wave modes; utilization of phased array concepts; and utilization of software algorithms rather than hardware for beam forming and signal analysis. The ability to detect cracks, corrosion, disbonds, and cracks under bolts for a stiffened panel was demonstrated in Phase I. The detection methods used were pitch-catch, pulse-echo, phased array, and electromechanical impedance. To efficiently and cost-effectively achieve Phase II objectives, NextGen has teamed with Lockheed Martin Space Systems - Michoud Operations to test the proposed system in realistic environment. A cryogenic, composite LOX tank, built by Lockheed Martin for the X-34, is currently in a test fixture at NASA Marshall and will be used for evaluating our system. Additional tests will be performed to validate the durability and survivability of the system for space certification. More »