Nondestructive Inspection of Launch Vehicle Structural Components

Space launch vehicles require highly reliable, lightweight structures. It is thus important to monitor the structural health of these components with nondestructive inspections. In this paper, we studied an example of a nondestructive inspection that was partially applied to the manufacture and inspection of a launch vehicle. Ultrasonic tests, X-rays, tapping, and acoustic emissions comprised the inspection method. A payload fairing, high pressure tank, fastener part, and bonding part were used as hardware to be inspected. We proposed a quantitative standard for debonding inspection of the payload fairing and acoustic emission data for the proof test of the high pressure tank. We analyzed the fracture mode of the sandwich fastener part according to frequency changes. We also proposed a standard specimen for ultrasonic inspection of bonds of different materials. The present analyses and results provide data for evaluation of the launch operation sequence to ensure launch vehicles afford high reliability.