A Vibration Technique For Space Shuttle Tiles Bond Assessment .2. Experimental Results

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