14 May Microwave Technology – Non Destructive Testing Method

Non destructive testing methods are used to determine the integrity of a structure or material without physically disturbing it. Non destructive testing methods don’t require the industrial process to stop for conducting testing. This makes NDT the most desired testing method for structures and equipment in a live operating environment.

NDT can be conducted using several principles like ultrasonic, eddy current, ultra violet, acoustic emission, visual testing etc. The most popular NDT method used to evaluate dielectric structures or materials that are non-conducting is Microwave testing.

The principle behind microwave NDT method enables us to accurately image the volume of materials and measure properties like thickness and density.

The basic principle behind microwave testing NDT method

In the scanning method, there is no coupling medium and we only need to access one side of the material. In this method the side of the material is exposed to microwave energy to create microwave interference patterns as shown in the below image.

Some of the microwaves are reflected and transmitted at every interface of the changing dielectric constant. This includes the front and back surfaces of the part, and every part of the material that has a discontinuity in dielectric properties. The reflected waves are combined with the transmitted waves to create a microwave interference pattern. 

Industrial applications of microwave testing

The major applications of microwaves in NDT is in detecting the flaws or discontinuities, analysing material properties, condition monitoring and in metrology.

Recently microwaves show immense potential in determining the strength of reinforcements used in structures. Low frequency microwaves can easily pass through concrete and reach the reinforcement bars. Since the rusted metals reflect less EM waves than pure metals the magnitude of rusting in rebars can be determined using microwave testing.

Enroll for 1 month preparatory classes for ASNT level 3 Microwave Testing Certification

Gamma NDT academy offers NDT preparatory classes for candidates who intend to appear for the ASNT 3 Microwave Testing Certification exam. 

We will cover all the syllabus under ASNT for Microwave Testing and conduct mock tests to prepare you best for the certification exam. We will also share study materials and sample questions which you need to revise. We have a 100% success rate for NDT level 2 and 3 certification courses.

Gamma NDT academy training institute is located in Kerala, India. We provide online classes for candidates who cannot attend our training sessions in-person.