Application of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy to the Identification of Materials and to the Determination of Surface Coatings
Abstract
A small user friendly, light-weight, field hardened, computer controlled device for performing infrared spectroscopic analysis, with high sensitivity of trace contamination on surfaces, has recently been defined by Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Marshal Space Flight Center, Alabama (NASA/MSFC) initiated a development contract to field a production model of this device with Surface Optics Corporation, San Diego, California in order to certify the sandblasted inner surface of solid rocket motor casings to be free of both hydrocarbon grease and silicone oils at levels approaching 1 milligram per square. Through contracts with Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., the Army acquired a prototype of this instrument, which was used for optimizing the performance with respect to detecting trace organic contamination on sandblasted metal surfaces. That prototype has since been upgraded to incorporate the refinements discovered in its use, and is presently being field tested by the Army at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). Referred to as a surface inspection machine- infrared (SIMIR or SOC 400), this device employs a miniature Fourier transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIRS) with very efficient diffuse reflectance optics to provide reflectance spectra of surfaces measured relative to some reference surface. These spectra are capable of yielding qualitative and quantitative chemical information from a host of surfaces that has imminently practical applications in the determination of surface identification, contamination, and degradation. The performance of the SIMIR and its initial applications to surface inspection at CCAD that include sandblasted metal surfaces, as well as, detection of contamination on other metal finishes such as black oxide finished steel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADP017699
Entities
People
- Edward G. Engbert
- G. L. Powell
- James Holiday
- Jose L. Velez