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Article
Microwave and Millimeter Wave Imaging of the Space Shuttle External Fuel Tank Spray on Foam Insulation (SOFI) using Synthetic Aperture Focusing Techniques (SAFT)
Proceedings of the Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (2005, Brunswick, ME)
  • Joseph Toby Case
  • J. Robbins
  • Sergey Kharkovsky, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Frank L. Hepburn
  • R. Zoughi, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

The Space Shuttle Columbia's catastrophic failure is thought to have been caused by a dislodged piece of external tank spray on foam insulation (SOFI) striking the left wing of the orbiter causing significant damage to some of the reinforced carbon/carbon leading edge wing panels. Microwave and millimeter wave nondestructive evaluation methods have shown great potential for inspecting SOFI for the purpose of detecting anomalies such as small air voids that may cause separation of the SOFI from the external tank during a launch. These methods are capable of producing relatively high-resolution images of the interior of SOFI particularly when advanced imaging algorithms are incorporated into the overall system. To this end, synthetic aperture focusing techniques (SAFT) are being developed. This paper presents some of the preliminary results of this investigation using SAFT-based methods and microwave holography at relatively low frequencies illustrating their potential capabilities for operation at millimeter wave frequencies.

Meeting Name
Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (2005: Jul. 31-Aug. 5, Brunswick, ME)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Focusing,
  • Insulation Testing,
  • Microwave Holography,
  • Millimetre Waves,
  • Nondestructive Testing,
  • Microwave And Millimeter Wave Imaging
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-0735403123
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2005 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
8-1-2005
Publication Date
01 Aug 2005
Citation Information
Joseph Toby Case, J. Robbins, Sergey Kharkovsky, Frank L. Hepburn, et al.. "Microwave and Millimeter Wave Imaging of the Space Shuttle External Fuel Tank Spray on Foam Insulation (SOFI) using Synthetic Aperture Focusing Techniques (SAFT)" Proceedings of the Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (2005, Brunswick, ME) Vol. 820 (2005) p. 1546 - 1553 ISSN: 0094-243X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/reza-zoughi/193/