X-Ray Computed Tomographic Investigation of Thermal Protection System Materials

Over the last few years, staff from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and the NASA Ames Research Center have been collaborating on the inspection of various Thermal Protection System (TPS) articles (both test and flight) using X-ray computed tomography (CT). The work presented here shows how this powerful non-destructive inspection technique can be used to help understand the performance of TPS materials and designs. Three applications of before-and-after imagery are discussed in detail, including lessons learned, new insights, and questions remaining to be answered. These examples illustrate the promise of X-ray CT as an important technology deserving of routine application to research, development and production of thermal protection systems.