Microwave Detection of Hairline Surface-Breaking Cracks in Metals using Open-Ended Coaxial Sensors: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Recent microwave methods have shown to be capable of detecting and sizing surface slots and cracks in metals. These methods have incorporated the use of an open-ended rectangular waveguide probe for such measurements. A new microwave method utilizing an open-ended coaxial line sensor has been under investigation for some time now. Coaxial line sensors have certain features that make them quite attractive for surface crack detection. These features include their high level of sensitivity to the presence of very narrow cracks as will as the fact that their geometry may include complicated bends allowing access to hard to reach places. This paper presents and comments on some preliminary experimental results of using this sensor for hairline surface crack detection.

Meeting Name

Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Aircraft, Airports, and Aerospace Hardware (1996: Dec. 3-5, Scottsdale, AZ)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Coaxial Sensors; Crack Detection; Hairline Surface-Breaking Cracks; Cracks; Inspection; Nondestructive Examination; Sensors; Metals

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0819423498

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0277-786X

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1996 SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 1996

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS