The Critical Role of High Resolution X-ray Micro-computed Tomography for Ultra-thin Wall Space Component Characterization

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The Critical Role of High Resolution X-ray Micro-computed Tomography for Ultra-thin Wall Space Component Characterization

Roth, D.J. / Rauser, R.W. / Bowman, R.R. / Martin, R.E. / Koshti, A.M. / Morgan, David S.

A high-resolution micro-computed tomography system complemented by specialized hardware and software tools was used to provide quantitative characterization for a tapered ultra-thin wall space component at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The computed tomography data served two purposes: first, to assess whether an acceptable discontinuity condition based on component use requirements existed; and second, to provide comprehensive discontinuity measurements for life modeling. Regarding the latter, the measurements were used in a fracture mechanics based model to determine whether the components would be expected to survive (leak within) four service lives. This paper describes component acceptance criteria; the computed tomography system hardware and procedure; detectability and measurement error assessment of the computed tomography system; specialized software needed to aid the characterization process; example computed tomography results; correlation with optical/scanning electron microscope characterization; and an overview of the modeling technique utilizing the computed tomography data.