Development of Computed Tomography (CT) Software Techniques for Detecting Aging of Rocket Motors

Key technologies are assembled in an innovative approach to detecting age related change (ARC) in solid rocket motor CT measurements. Components of our approach include newly-developed CT artifact reduction technology, an approach to two-phase slice registration and normalization, and a powerful model-based interface analysis technology. These technologies together enable us to estimate from CT data features that are otherwise inaccessible because of artifacts, noise, and positional error. We will use measured data (and CT simulation as needed) to quantify the ability of such features to detect ARC in CT data. We will also assess the feasibility of practical visual and automated ARC evaluation, including implementation using existing ANDES2 and I-View workstation technology.