Porosity Level Estimation in Polymer Composites using Microwaves

Abstract

The ability of microwaves to monitor variations in porosity level of composite samples is studied. Measurements of several carefully prepared samples with different air volume fractions are performed at the frequency range of 8.2-18 GHz. The measurement results indicated that there is an excellent sensitivity to small differences in porosity level. A two-phase mixing model used for predicting the dielectric properties as a function of porosity level shows good agreement with the measured results. This model may be used to closely predict the amount of air content from measured dielectric properties. Changes in clustered (local) porosity are studied experimentally as well. Microwave scan of specially prepared samples with about 5 percent change in air content (local porosity variation) are also presented.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Composite Materials; Dielectric Materials; Dielectric Properties; Estimation; Mathematical Models; Monitoring; Permittivity; Polymers; Porosity; Sensitivity Analysis; Volume Fraction; Wave Transmission; Air Volume Fraction; Dielectric Constant; Local Porosity Variation; Nondestructive Inspection; Polymer Composites; Porosity Level Estimation; Two Phase Mixing Model; Microwaves

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0025-5327

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1995 American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Mar 1995

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