Detection of Corrosion Under Space Shuttle Tiles

Award Information

Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration	Branch: N/A	Award ID: 51587	Program Year/Program: 2001 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number: NASA1838	Solicitation Year: N/A	Solicitation Topic Code: N/A	Solicitation Number: N/A

Small Business Information: Aracor
425 Lakeside Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94086 0470
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Woman-Owned: No

Minority-Owned: No

HUBZone-Owned: No

Phase 1: Fiscal Year: 2001

Title: Detection of Corrosion Under Space Shuttle Tiles

Agency: NASA

Contract: N/A

Award Amount: $70,000.00

Abstract:
This project will develop a practical, nondestructive inspection technique for the detection of corrosion hidden under the reusable surface insulation tiles found in thermal protection systems. This technique is based on an innovative use of x-ray interactions to discriminate low levels of corrosion from airframe structural materials, such as magnesium, aluminum, and titanium alloys. A second innovation in detection greatly speeds up the measurement and reduces the cost. This results in an accurate measurement of low level corrosion at rates approaching a few seconds point. Phase I will empirically demonstrate the sensitivity and throughput using a breadboard instrument and realistic thermal protection system configurations. Phase II will develop a prototype of the instrument and demonstrate the ability to inspect large areas for hidden corrosion.

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Jerel 1. Smith
Senior Staff Scientist
4087337780
smith@aracor.com

Business Contact:
Mr. LeBaker
VP Finance and Administration
4087337780
armistead@aracor.com

Small Business Information at Submission:

ARACOR
425 Lakeside Dr. Sunnyvale, CA 94086

EIN/Tax ID:

DUNS: N/A

Number of Employees:

Woman-Owned: No

Minority-Owned: No

HUBZone-Owned: No