I assume partial disassembly (even completely non-destructive) is out, eliminating investagtions of specific gravity of materials? How about using a fairly highly accurate light spectrometer to measure reflected sunlight? The spectrum of sunlight is well understood, so a really accurate spectrometer will tell you what is reflected and what is absorbed, which gives a good idea of composition (maybe). I'd like to know more about this whole project. I believe the Corporal was one of the rockets developed by the Army while my grandfather (who was no doubt one of the earliest "steely-eyed missile men") was serving at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Family lore suggests the Nike Hercules was his rocket, though. Mike H. On 7/26/07, Russell McMahon wrote: > I want to completely non invasively determine the characteristics of a > metal surface. > (The nozzle, chamber and injector surfaces of a 50 year old "Corporal" > liquid fuel rocket motor). > The aim is to produce a convincing report on the best way to conserve > the equipment without actually "interfering" with it in any way. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist