A Vibration Technique For Space Shuttle Tiles Bond Assessment .1. Modeling

    Authors

    F. A. Moslehy

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Modal Anal.-Int. J. Analyt. Exp. Modal Anal.

    Keywords

    DAMAGE; Engineering, Mechanical; Mechanics

    Abstract

    This paper presents a novel technique that combines laser-based vibration measurement and finite element modeling to evaluate the bond condition of the thermal protection system tiles of the Space Shuttle orbiter. This technique is based on characterizing the response of tiles when excited by audible acoustic energy. Finite element models for the assemblies attached to the orbiter aluminum skin are first developed. The tiles' eigenvalues and eigenvectors are determined. Then frequency responses of tiles excited by simulated sound pressure are computed. The computed frequency response at selected points of a partially bonded the indicates a decrease in its natural frequencies. This is used to quickly identify the disbonded tiles. However, the exact size and location of the disbond are determined from the computed rigid-body modes of the tile. A companion paper presents the experimental results of test panels that are obtained by a laser rapid scan system and shows excellent agreement between the finite element and experimental results. These results demonstrate that experimental modal analysis, when combined with finite element analysis, can successfully be used as a reliable nondestructive, non-contact technique for the bond assessment.

    Journal Title

    Modal Analysis-the International Journal of Analytical and Experimental Modal Analysis

    Volume

    11

    Issue/Number

    1-2

    Publication Date

    1-1-1996

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    49

    Last Page

    56

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1996VD90900005

    ISSN

    1066-0763

    Share

    COinS