If the program is successful, it will demonstrate the capability of the MWM-Array technology to measure relevant material properties and structural damage in the advanced materials in spacecraft thermal protection systems. This type of analysis tool for detection of damage may be useful for the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV's), exhaust nozzles, and other critical composite structures. NASA customers that may benefit from these analysis tools include the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) spacecraft manufacturers and other interplanetary programs such as science exploration mission vehicles and human crew vehicles.
There are numerous applications in which NDE measurement and analysis tools are needed to verify design requirements of advanced composites, such as three-dimensional woven materials. These include applications for commercial aircraft, wind turbines, land vehicles and composite repairs for pipelines and structures. Examples are inspection of commercial jet engine blades and fuselage components, wind turbine blades, land vehicle frames and liquid natural gas fuel pressure vessels and other structures where proper woven fiber orientation and defect free structures are critical for strength and fatigue life. It is expected that this technology could also be transitioned to support military aircraft fleets which contain substantially composite structures.
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