Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Geopolymers; Materials Characterization; Short Circuit Rectangular Waveguide

Abstract

"The purpose of this work was to develop a process for studying geopolymer materials using a microwave materials characterization approach. Such an approach is known to provide information about chemical and physical properties of materials. As such, in this work, the focus is on the role of water in the geopolymer curing process. To do this, specimens were prepared and cast and microwave measurements conducted throughout the curing process using a short-circuited rectangular waveguide (SC-RWG) measurement technique. In this technique, the complex reflection properties/coefficient of the sample are measured. The effect of sample length and dielectric properties on materials characterization measurements using the short-circuited rectangular waveguide approach was studied and determined that samples placed at the shorted end can be reliably measured (contrary to the existing literature). Concurrent to the measurement effort, a dielectric mixing model was applied to relate the volumetric content and dielectric properties of the geopolymer constituents to the overall dielectric properties of the cast and cured geopolymer. The calculated dielectric properties (from the mixing model) were used as an input to a full wave simulation model. This simulation model provides the reflection properties of a material within a SC-RWG sample holder. The simulated results were compared to the geopolymer’s measured reflection properties. Though these simulations did not agree well with measurements, a reliable process was created to be used on further geopolymer measurements. In addition, conclusions were made regarding how to improve the overall approach for future materials" -- Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Donnell, Kristen M.

Committee Member(s)

Kim, DongHyun (Bill)
Hwang, Chulsoon

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2024

Pagination

xii, 74 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 72-73)

Rights

©2024 Jared Sinkey , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12412

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