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Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Structural Integrity Inspection and Visualization System, Phase I

Completed Technology Project
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Project Description

Structural Integrity Inspection and Visualization System, Phase I
To address NASA's need for compact nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of the structural integrity of spacecraft components and structures, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Structural Integrity Inspection and Visualization System (SIRIUS), based on acquiring two-dimensional images of Compton-scattered hard X-ray radiation produced by multiple slices of the object, with subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction of the inspected structure for high-resolution (~0.5 mm) detection and localization of defects. This approach incorporates the POC-developed innovative X-ray Compton Imaging Tomography technique (patent pending) and patented X-ray imaging optics with high spatial resolution and a wide field of view, enabling it to meet NASA's requirements for operation on a wide range of lightweight spacecraft materials, noncontact operation, portability, and ease of use. SIRIUS will provide detection and three-dimensional localization of defects and damage in space transportation vehicles, pressure vessels, ISS modules, inflatable structures, EVA suits, MMOD shields, and thermal protection structures, with spatial resolution of ~0.5 mm and penetration depth up to 25 cm (depending on the material). In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of using SIRIUS for NDE of spacecraft components by fabricating and testing a TRL-4 prototype, with the goal of achieving TRL-6 by the end of Phase II. More »

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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.

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