Microwave Testing
Microwave testing uses electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 300 GHz to inspect non-conductive dielectric materials such as composites, ceramics, and insulation for moisture, voids, delamination, and disbonds.
Definition
Microwave NDT propagates electromagnetic waves into dielectric materials and analyzes reflected and transmitted signals to detect internal anomalies. Because microwaves do not penetrate metals, the method is used exclusively on non-conductive materials.
Technical Context
Open-ended waveguides, horn antennas, or near-field probes deliver the energy. Both magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient are analyzed.
When It Is Used
- Inspection of FRP/composite pressure vessels and pipes
- Moisture detection in insulation systems
- Ceramic component evaluation
Related Standards
ASTM E2884, ISO/TR 16208.
Related terms
- Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) — Acoustic Emission (AE) is a passive NDT method that detects transient elastic stress waves emitted by active discontinuities such as growing cracks, plastic deformation, or leaks, using sensors mounted on the component during loading.
- Thermography / Infrared Testing (IRT) — Thermography uses an infrared camera to map surface temperature patterns; subsurface defects, moisture, missing insulation, electrical hot spots, and CUI alter heat flow and create detectable thermal signatures.
More method terms
Ultrasonic Testing · Radiographic Testing · Magnetic Particle Testing · Penetrant Testing · Eddy Current Testing · Visual Testing · Leak Testing · Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing · Time-of-Flight Diffraction · Total Focusing Method
Where this comes up in practice
Terms like this one appear in three places that matter commercially: the written practice that governs how your personnel are qualified, the procedures and technique sheets that define how an examination is actually performed, and the evidence an auditor or client asks for when they want to know why an inspection was accepted. Getting the terminology right is the easy part; being able to produce the qualification record, the calibration traceability and the procedure revision that applied on the day of the inspection is the part that decides audits.
Atlantis NDT provides NDT training and certification against ASNT SNT-TC-1A and ISO 9712, ASNT Level III consulting for written practices and procedure approval, inspection management software that holds qualification, calibration and procedure-revision evidence in recoverable form, and an asset integrity platform that binds inspection results to the asset they describe. Browse the full NDT glossary or ask a Level III directly.