Large Area, Real-Time Inspection of Rocket Motors Using a Novel Handheld Ultrasound Camera

Abstract

Phase I of this SBIR program sought to demonstrate the applicability of the Imperium ultrasound camera to the inspection of solid rocket motors (SRMs). Phase II of the program aimed at developing a prototype camera that could be used in either handheld or production settings. The prototype camera was tested to determine its level of performance, ability to detect typical flaws, and the potential time savings with its use. Results show that the camera was capable of seeing flaws in representative composite parts of the motor. Limited testing with a portable system has detected similar flaws. It is expected that the production system will demonstrate a significant reduction in test time over present systems. The developers conclude that this concept is transferable to areas other than the nondestructive evaluation of solid rocket motors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 12, 2004
Accession Number
ADA423248

Entities

People

  • D. C. Rich
  • J. P. Kula
  • J. W. Gurney
  • M. E. Lasser
  • R. S. Lasser

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Composite Images
  • Composite Materials
  • Contracts
  • Detectors
  • Images
  • Inspection
  • Production
  • Range Gating
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasounds
  • Water Tanks

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Medical Imaging.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Software Engineering