Automated Detection of Streaks in Rocket-Engine Plumes

A high-speed observer (HSO) system comprising a high-frame-rate digital video camera and a high-speed computer that processes the camera output has been developed for use in monitoring the exhaust plume of the space shuttle main engine (SSME) during tests. The HSO system is designed to analyze the digital video data to detect transient streaks and other anomalies in the appearance of the plume that are indicative of engine malfunctions. The basic HSO concept is also applicable to monitoring of transient phenomena in other settings.