Three-Dimensional Recession Rate Monitor and Imaging System

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for a three-dimensional (3D) recession rate monitor system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new non-intrusive Three-Dimensional Recession Rate Monitor and Imaging System (3D-RAMIS) based on the novel implementation of digital fringe projection, phase shifting technique, and integrated parallel processing electronics. The novel system design combines high-speed optoelectronic components for imaging acquisition and processing, and enables the system to obtain 3D images and accurately measure the recession rate at a high 120 Hz frame rate, with high 0.3 mm spatial and 0.5 mm depth resolutions. Using modular optics, the system will adapt to the test facility and test article, and efficiently measure 30 x 30 x 3 cm test articles. Portable, easy to set up, and robust to the test environment, the 3D-RAMIS will permit multiple insertions in current arc heater facilities and be equipped with auto-calibration software. In Phase I, POC will conduct a comprehensive engineering analysis and trade-off study to determine the optimum approach. A laboratory prototype will be built and tested to demonstrate its feasibility. POC plans to develop and demonstrate in Phase II a fully functional engineering prototype that meets Air Force requirements. BENEFIT: The proposed 3D-RAMIS will address the need for a 3D recession rate monitoring technology to provide real-time, high resolution, 3D imaging acquisition and recession rate monitoring without targets and without modifications to the test article. Therefore, unlike current technologies, it will meet Air Force test requirements without significant modifications to the existing hardware. We believe 3D-RAMIS technology has performance advantages over the competitors, the main advantage being its ability to provide a real-time 3D imaging system that meets the high temporal, spatial and depth resolution capability needs for high-speed test article surface contour mapping in arc jet facilities. The measurement is non-intrusive. The 3D-RAMIS approach enables quantitative ablation recession measurements of test article surfaces in real time with 3D imaging capabilities. Commercial applications of 3D-RAMIS will include a 3D recession rate monitor system for real-time test article surface contour mapping in arc jet facilities, aerospace applications for development of high temperature materials and structures for civil space access/reentry, high-speed transports, 3D scanning, mapping, and navigation profilometers.