Impedance-based health monitoring of space shuttle ground structures

Daniel M. Peairs; Benjamin L. Grisso; Ravi N. Margasahayam; Kenneth R. Page; Daniel J. Inman

doi:10.1117/12.539771

21 July 2004 Impedance-based health monitoring of space shuttle ground structures

Daniel M. Peairs, Benjamin L. Grisso, Ravi N. Margasahayam, Kenneth R. Page, Daniel J. Inman

Proceedings Volume 5394, Health Monitoring and Smart Nondestructive Evaluation of Structural and Biological Systems III; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.539771
Event: NDE for Health Monitoring and Diagnostics, 2004, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Many of the structures responsible for the launch, ground turnaround and support operations of the space shuttle are still being used well past their design life. This has led to an increased interest in monitoring these structures in order to decrease the risk of breakdowns or structural failure. One monitoring method which has shown promising results for such applications is the impedance-based structural health monitoring technique. This paper presents results from proof-of-concept tests on the launch pad's orbiter access arm bolted connection, solid rocket booster support post, mobile launch platform heat shield and crawler transporter bearing. These tests showed that the impedance method can provide a permanent structural health monitoring solution to NASA's ground structures. In addition several positive and negative aspects of the impedance method were discovered or highlighted. Modifications for future tests are suggested.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel M. Peairs, Benjamin L. Grisso, Ravi N. Margasahayam, Kenneth R. Page, and Daniel J. Inman "Impedance-based health monitoring of space shuttle ground structures", Proc. SPIE 5394, Health Monitoring and Smart Nondestructive Evaluation of Structural and Biological Systems III, (21 July 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.539771

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