In Situ Surface Protection System
Abstract
An important mission of the Arnold Engineering Development Center is testing jet engines for military and commercial customers. An extensive network of ducting is used to direct air flow through test engines. Much of the ducting is made from low carbon steel. Rust particles generated by corrosion of the ducting may damage test engines. The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) has developed the Laser Induced Surface Improvement (LISI) process. The LISI process uses a laser to melt a precursor and underlying substrate to form a surface layer with different properties than the substrate. UTSI is developing a LISI process application to produce a corrosion resistant surface layer on the AEDC ducting. Access to the interior of the ducting is restricted and the size of some ducts precludes human entry or work. Robotic systems have been proposed to deliver LISI process equipment within the ducting. This effort explored the feasibility of robotic systems and defined the functional requirements for robotic systems. The primary objectives of the Phase One effort were to assess the feasibility of and determine the functional requirements for robotic systems to deliver the LISI process equipment in the AEDC ducting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA365902