USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

John M Liu

Susan N Vernon

A static DC magnetic field is externally applied to a targeted surface portion of protectively coated steel to vary the amount of microwave energy absorbed therein. Measurements of varying amounts of absorbed microwave energy are compared by coordination with corresponding measurements of the strength of the applied magnetic field varied in response to coating hidden deposit of corrosion products on the targeted surface portion of the steel, to provide a basis for detection of the corrosion involved.

Nondestructive detection of steel surface corrosion

Targeted portions of material layered structure is probed by microwave radiation focussed onto the targeted portion by adjustment of antenna position and orientation establishing a single oblique incidence path for reflection of antenna emitted probing radiation. Signal measurements of the radiation along the oblique incidence path is obtained to provide for evaluation and detection of defects in the targeted portion of the structure being probed.

System for detection of flaws by use of microwave radiation

Microwave radiation emitted from a single antenna is focused on a targeted material from which reflected radiation is received by the same antenna to provide signal measurement data from which detected material defects are evaluated by determination of void location and size. Antenna position and orientation is adjusted to obtain the signal measurement data from of the microwave radiation reflection along at least two target incidence paths from the same target location, one of which is normal to said targeted surface of the material and the other oblique thereto at a scattering angle at which the signal radiation intensity is minimized.

System for determining size and location of defects in material by use

A flexible core eddy current probe is disclosed for testing of curved or egular surfaces. The core is comprised of a flexible binder loaded with a powdered magnetic material and then formed into a specific flexible core shape continuously adaptable to irregular or curved surfaces. The flexible core probe has specific application to carbon fiber reinforced composite components having contoured surfaces.

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Columbia, MD, United States of America

John M Liu