Structural Health Monitoring for Space Systems

Advances in Structural Health Monitoring of Space Systems Andrei N. Zagrai, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, USA Derek T. Doyle, Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicles Directorate, USA Brandon J. Arritt, Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicles Directorate, USA The application of SHM technologies to space systems and implications to the space community Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a valuable tool for in-service assessment of structural condition. This book, for the first time, explores specifics of SHM applied to space craft in particular. The volume presents technical advances in SHM of space systems from the viewpoints of academia, industry and government agencies and explores some of the major test setups that have been developed and the unique requirements not currently directed at the terrestrial developers. It is suggested that SHM may be considered for aiding in the rapid assembly of spacecraft components, monitoring system conditions during launch, in-orbit operations and re-entry, and could be a major contributor to spacecraft certification for the next launch. This book presents a discussion of factors affecting realization of the SHM system for spacecraft, provides examples of different SHM technologies utilized for assessment of space systems, and gives recommendations for current and future SHM applications. Key features: * Various SHM technologies for space structures. * Industry, government, and academic vision of spacecraft SHM. * Examples of structural diagnostics of space systems. * Results of SHM in stratospheric and sub-orbital spaceflight environments. This advanced text provides coverage of technical advances in SHM for graduate students and professionals in the space industry.