A VIBRATION TECHNIQUE FOR SPACE-SHUTTLE TILES BOND ASSESSMENT .2. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

This paper presents experimental results obtained by a rapid scan lase r system and a comparison of these results with finite element results of tile test panels. A companion paper presents finite element modeli ng and results for different tile assemblies and bond cases. This pape r also reports on modal testing performed on tiles of the Space Shuttl e Columbia. Finite element and experimental results are shown to be in excellent agreement. The paper demonstrates that experimental modal a nalysis, when integrated with finite element analysis, can successfull y be used as a reliable, nondestructive, noncontact technique for tile bond assessment.