Microwave and Millimeter Wave Near-Field Methods for Evaluation of Radome Composites

Abstract

Radomes are used to protect critical communications and radar hardware from exposure to adverse environmental conditions while providing the necessary aerodynamic characteristics for airborne systems. Near-field microwave and millimeter wave nondestructive evaluation methods are well-suited for inspecting these structures since signals at these frequencies readily penetrate through these structures and reflect from different interior boundaries revealing the presence of a wide range of defects such as disbond, delamination, moisture and oil intrusion, impact damage, etc. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental effort using near-field imaging techniques (producing images with high spatial resolutions) at several frequency bands in the microwave and millimeter wave regions as well as electromagnetic simulations for detecting and evaluating the presence of disbonds in such structures.

Meeting Name

34th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (2007: Jul. 22-27, Golden, CO)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Microwaves; Millimetre Waves; Nondestructive Testing; Refractometers; Composite Testing And Evaluation; Material Characterization

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0735404946

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0094-243X

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2007 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jul 2007

Link to Full Text

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