Structural Integrity Inspection and Visualization System

To address NASA's need for compact nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of the structural integrity of spacecraft components and structures, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Structural Integrity Inspection and Visualization System (SIRIUS), based on acquiring two-dimensional images of Compton-scattered hard X-ray radiation produced by multiple slices of the object, with subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction of the inspected structure for high-resolution (~0.5 mm) detection and localization of defects. This approach incorporates the POC-developed innovative X-ray Compton Imaging Tomography technique (patent pending) and patented X-ray imaging optics with high spatial resolution and a wide field of view, enabling it to meet NASA's requirements for operation on a wide range of lightweight spacecraft materials, noncontact operation, portability, and ease of use. SIRIUS will provide detection and three-dimensional localization of defects and damage in space transportation vehicles, pressure vessels, ISS modules, inflatable structures, EVA suits, MMOD shields, and thermal protection structures, with spatial resolution of ~0.5 mm and penetration depth up to 25 cm (depending on the material). In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of using SIRIUS for NDE of spacecraft components by fabricating and testing a TRL-4 prototype, with the goal of achieving TRL-6 by the end of Phase II.