Microwave Detection of Stress Induced Farigue Cracks in Steel and Potential of Crack Opening Determination Using a New Phase Sensitive Approach Based on a Waveguide Magic TEE

Published

July 1, 2000

Author(s)

N Qaddoumi, E Ranu, R Zoughi, Joseph D. McColskey

Abstract

Detection and evaluation of surface cracks in metals is an important facet of nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E). Cracks in bridges, aircraft wings and other metal structures can pose serious danger to the structure and ultimately human lives. Detection, being the first step in NDT&E, has been accomplished on a variety of cracks using several recently developed microwave techniques; namely, dominant mode, higher-order mode and open-ended coaxial lines [1-4]. Evaluation of crack properties (be it crack width, depth, load estimation or other useful information) is the next step in fully determining the threat that a crack may pose to a structure. Surface crack detection, using open-ended rectangular waveguides is primarily based on changes in the phase of the reflection coefficent at the waveguide aperture when a crack is scanned. Therefore, a phase sensitive system may be used for this purpose. The use of a magic tee based approach has the advantage of quick and interactive phase adjustments-adjustments are made immediately by the turn of a knob. In this way optimization is an easy and effective process.

Proceedings Title

Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, Conference | | | Springer-Verlag

Volume

18/A

Conference Dates

June 1, 1999

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

Review of Progress in Quantative Nondestructive Evaluation

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Fatigue Crack Detection, Microwave NDE, Open-ended Rectangular Waveguide, Waveguide Magic TEE

Citation

Qaddoumi, N. , Ranu, E. , Zoughi, R. and McColskey, J. (2000), Microwave Detection of Stress Induced Farigue Cracks in Steel and Potential of Crack Opening Determination Using a New Phase Sensitive Approach Based on a Waveguide Magic TEE, Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, Conference | | | Springer-Verlag, Undefined (Accessed May 7, 2026)

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