P. DeVries, The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, CA
Components subject to the extremes of orbital re-entry present a unique challenge to the failure analyst due in large part to the lack of historical information from similar failures. Typical application of visual observation, conductivity and hardness testing were effective in defining the heat distribution throughout this 2124 aluminum part. Standard metallography was equally useful in deducing thermal gradients, and when supplemented by EDS, proved an effective approach to debris analysis.
Summary: The Pathfinder Analysis sought to answer Academic questions regarding the maximum heat attained, heating direction/duration, and identify debris imposed on this fuselage section during Columbia break-up and re-entry. The results of debris characterization and heat effects incurred will be presented in the context of traditional failure analysis techniques.
