Non-contact Crack Detection in Metals Using a Cutoff-Cavity Probe

Abstract

This paper presents a non-contact method for the detection of surface cracks in metal materials through a forced-resonance microwave method (FRMM) using a cutoff cavity-backed narrow slot as a crack detection probe without using a vector network analyzer (VNA) at microwave frequencies. The FRMM uses the deviations in the ammeter or voltmeter readings of the forcefully obtained resonance of a cutoff-cavity probe for a metal material with or without cracks. The cutoff cavity-backed narrow slot on metal with no cracks produces a series resonance (maximum current) or a parallel resonance through an external control element located on a post inside the cutoff cavity. Cracks were detected by a change in this forced-resonance state (maximum current) when the cutoff-cavity probe was scanned over a crack. The characteristic crack signal was derived from the resonance current deviation on the ammeter located on a post inside the cavity probe. Galerkin’s method of moments was used to obtain a forced-resonance state from which the crack signal of the FRMM was calculated. The experimental measurements for non-contact (remote or lift-off) crack detection are also presented.