Work

Active Microwave Thermography of Debonding Defects in Radar-Absorbing Coatings: Effects of Thickness and Power

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, the impact of active microwave thermography (AMT) on defect detection in radar-absorbing coatings (RACs) was investigated. Based on AMT technology, the effect of coating thickness and microwave power on defect clarity and optimal heating time was experimentally examined. In addition, electromagnetic–thermal coupled simulations were employed to explain the underlying physical mechanisms. Results indicate that coating thickness influences the optimal heating time for AMT: thinner coatings require shorter heating times. However, thickness also alters the reflectivity of RACs, leading to different effects of microwave power on defect clarity. Therefore, in practical inspections, heating time and microwave power should be appropriately selected based on both coating thickness and reflectivity to balance detection efficiency and image quality.

Source: Coatings

DOI: 10.3390/coatings16111340

Authors: Yihang Tu, Jiahong Liu, Wei Zhang, Lijuan Xiao, Li Luo

Institutions: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, National Engineering Research Center of Electromagnetic Radiation Control Materials, Chengdu University

Language: English

Topic: Thermography and Photoacoustic Techniques

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

OpenAlex ID: W7225781961

FWCI:

Cites: 18

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