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Related Experiment Videos

An ultrasonic array sensor for spacecraft leak direction finding.

Stephen D Holland1, Ron Roberts, D E Chimenti

  • 1Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. sdh4@iastate.edu <sdh4@iastate.edu>

Ultrasonics
|September 5, 2006
PubMed
Summary

We developed an ultrasonic array sensor to detect air leaks in spacecraft. This sensor precisely locates leaks within 2 cm, enhancing crew safety and mission integrity.

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Area of Science:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Sensor Technology
  • Acoustics

Background:

  • Manned spacecraft require robust systems for life support.
  • Detecting air leaks is critical for maintaining a safe internal environment.
  • Current leak detection methods may lack the required precision for spacecraft applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate an ultrasonic array sensor for precise air leak localization in spacecraft.
  • To assess the sensor's accuracy in identifying leak sources through simulated spacecraft skin.

Main Methods:

  • Constructed a 63-element multiplexed ultrasonic array sensor with a reference element from PZT and PCB.
  • Employed cross-correlation techniques between array elements and a reference element to analyze leak noise.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Utilized spatial Fourier transform to determine the dominant direction of acoustic propagation from leaks.
  • Applied triangulation principles using data from multiple sensor positions to pinpoint leak origins.

    • Main Results:

    • The ultrasonic array sensor successfully located simulated air leaks in a 1-m² plate with a precision of 2 cm.
    • The sensor system effectively measured leak noise characteristics through the simulated spacecraft skin.
    • Spatial analysis identified the primary direction of acoustic signal propagation associated with the leaks.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed ultrasonic array sensor offers a highly accurate method for detecting and locating air leaks in manned spacecraft.
    • This technology can significantly improve the safety and reliability of life support systems in space missions.
    • Further implementation could involve integrating multiple sensors for comprehensive leak monitoring and rapid source identification.