If the program is successful, it will demonstrate the capability of the MWM-Array technology to monitor electrical conductivity and temperature of materials that are exposed to high temperature conditions. This type of monitoring tool could support monitoring during ground-based tests of thermal protection system materials; later versions with dedicated instrumentation designed for reduced size and weight with a potential implementation on spacecraft is also possible. Other structural applications that could take advantage of this type of projected-field, high-temperature, monitoring solution includes carbon-carbon rocket nozzles, Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, exhaust nozzles, and space probes. Other NASA customers which could use this technology 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 that could use a high temperature monitoring capability. One is manufacturing quality control and high temperature process monitoring. This includes heat treatment or annealing processes that are commonly performed on metals. In-situ monitoring of the electrical conductivity and/or magnetic permeability would offer a real-time assessment and process control capability. This could also be applied to TPS materials where the electrical conductivity and temperature of the carbon-base material is monitored during impregnation and curing of resins. A second application is structural health monitoring in challenging environments where conventional methods cannot be used. This includes monitoring of high temperature power plant combustion components and petrochemical plant piping for damage, such as fatigue or corrosion.
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