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2025 | Book

Microwave Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Principles and Applications

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About this book

This book provides a detailed exploration of microwave testing, a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) method fully recognized by the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) within the past decade. Designed with a special focus on carbon fibre- and glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites, it addresses the needs of industries where these advanced materials are increasingly used, including aerospace, wind energy, electronics, marine, automotive, construction, sports and piping.

For NDT practitioners, understanding this new technique is essential. The book offers an in-depth analysis of the electromagnetic properties of composites. In addition, a thorough discussion of the detection principles, advantages and applications of various methods is presented. The methods are not limited to composites and can be readily adapted to other dielectric materials. This handbook is tailored for engineers and researchers specialising in NDT of composites. It also doubles as a reference for graduate students and senior undergraduates studying microwave engineering or composite materials.

Elevate your expertise in microwave testing with this essential guide—crafted for professionals, researchers, and educators driving innovation in advanced non-destructive testing and evaluation.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Non-Destructive Testing of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Abstract
In this chapter, the fibres, polymer, types of composite structures and the general applications are introduced first. Then, the manufacturing processes of the composites are described. Common manufacturing defects and damage in composites are also addressed, followed by the discussions of the principles, advantages and limitations of the conventional non-destructive testing methods. Finally, the microwave non-destructive testing technique is briefly reviewed.
Zhen Li
Chapter 2. Microwave Theory and Components
Abstract
The concept of electromagnetic properties is introduced first. Typical microwave components like waveguides and transmission lines in which waves propagate are discussed. Then, the basics of microwave measurement and calibration procedures are described, followed by a discussion of microwave resonators. At the end of this chapter, antennas and electromagnetic simulation are elaborated.
Zhen Li
Chapter 3. Electromagnetic Properties of FRP Composites
Abstract
For composites, ε and σ are the parameters of primary interest. In particular, GFRP composites can be characterised by ε, and CFRP composites can be characterised by both ε and σ. This chapter describes the electromagnetic properties of GFRP and CFRP composites in detail. In addition, the microwave absorption and penetration in FRP composites are discussed.
Zhen Li
Chapter 4. Reflection Methods
Abstract
In this chapter, the probes and analytical models used in the reflection methods are described. The procedure of the one-port calibration that is particularly useful for quantitative evaluation is presented. Then, the use for permittivity measurement and NDT is discussed. Application examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness.
Zhen Li
Chapter 5. Transmission Methods
Abstract
In the transmission methods, samples are placed between two antennas/waveguides, or the probes are applied on the same side. The method is commonly used for permittivity measurement, and here the free-space and transmission line (using rectangular waveguides) methods are elaborated.
Zhen Li
Chapter 6. Resonant Cavity Methods
Abstract
In this chapter, both closed and open resonant cavities are discussed. The closed type is mainly used for permittivity measurement. The open type is more used for NDT, and one particular application for the thickness measurement of the coatings on composites is elaborated.
Zhen Li
Chapter 7. Planar-Circuit Methods
Abstract
Planar sensors have the distinct advantages of compact size, low cost and easy fabrication. This chapter starts with two common types, i.e., transmission line- and resonator-based, followed by the application in material characterisation.
Zhen Li
Chapter 8. Focusing Methods
Abstract
In this chapter, typical methods of real and synthetic focusing are discussed, and examples of the imaging and NDT applications are presented.
Zhen Li
Chapter 9. Emerging Methods
Abstract
In this chapter, emerging methods associated with structural health monitoring, circuit design, additive manufacturing and machine learning are discussed.
Zhen Li
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Microwave Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Author
Zhen Li
Copyright Year
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN
978-981-9642-61-8
Print ISBN
978-981-9642-60-1
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4261-8