Search

The projected microwave energy pattern, wave guide geometry, positioning methods and process variables have been optimized for use of a portable, non-contact, lap-top computer-controlled microwave interference scanning system on multi-layered dielectric materials. The system can be used in situ with one-sided access and has demonstrated capability of damage detection on composite ceramic armor. Specimens used for validation included specially fabricated surrogates, and ballistic impact-damaged specimens. Microwave data results were corroborated with high resolution direct-digital x-ray imaging. Microwave interference scanning detects cracks, laminar features and material properties variations. This paper presents the details of the system, the optimization steps and discusses results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A portable, microwave interference scanning system, that can be used in situ, with one-sided, non-contact access, has been developed. It has demonstrated capability of damage detection on composite ceramic armor. Specimens used for validation included specially fabricated surrogates, and non-ballistic impact-damaged specimens. Microwave data results were corroborated with high resolution direct-digital x-ray imaging. Microwave interference scanning detects cracks, laminar features and material properties variations. This paper will present details of the system and discuss results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]