SBIR Phase I: Crack Detection Based On Microwave Induced Heating and Thermography

9860537 这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将调查一种新的无损检测（NDT）技术/设备的可行性。本研究的目的是开发一种新的能力，用于检测结构部件表面上的微小裂纹。在美国，由于裂纹引起的失效而造成的经济损失估计每年超过10亿美元。减少这些损失的关键步骤是在灾难性故障之前识别裂缝。该SBIR项目将开发一种基于微波加热和裂纹热成像检测的无损检测设备。 实验装置由一端开口的矩形波导组成。开口端可以压靠在金属表面上，从而形成微波谐振腔。通过这种布置，被检查的部件形成谐振腔的一个壁。腔体内电磁场的正常边界条件要求电场分量在腔壁处减小到零。然而，在存在裂纹的情况下，该边界条件不再适用，并且微波将从裂纹的涡流发射。 NDT被广泛用于评估基础设施，如桥梁，管道，锅炉和运输设备。提供功能/经济效益的新无损检测方法立即得到应用。

9860537 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a novel non-destructive testing (NDT) technique/apparatus. The objective of this research is to develop a new capability for detecting minute cracks on the surface of structural components. Economic losses in the U.S. due to crack induced failure is estimated to exceed one billion dollars annually. A key step in reducing these losses is identifying cracks prior to catastrophic failure. This SBIR project will develop an NDT apparatus based on microwave heating and thermographic detection of cracks. The experimental apparatus consists of a rectangular waveguide which is open on one end. The open end may be pressed against a metal surface, thereby forming a microwave resonant cavity. With this arrangement the component being inspected forms one wall of the resonant cavity. The normal boundary condition for electromagnetic fields within the cavity requires that electric field components diminish to zero at the cavity walls. In the presence of a crack, however, this boundarv condition no longer applies and microwaves will be emitted from eddies of the crack. NDT is widely used for evaluating infrastructure such as bridges, pipeline, boilers, and transportation equipment. Immediate applications exist for new NDT methods which offer functional/economic benefit.