MICROWAVE-SCATTERING CHARACTERISTICS OF DEFECTIVE DIELECTRIC CYLINDERS

Microwave scattering properties (radar cross-section, RCS) of inhomoge neous dielectric (composite) cylinders with finite lengths and radii a re used to determine the presence of defects of various shapes, sizes and dielectric properties. These cylinders are assumed to be irradiate d by a uniform plane wave with arbitrary linear polarization and incid ence angle. The induced and scattered fields are numerically obtained using the method of moments. This technique is used to optimize defect detection parameters such as frequency of operation, polarization and incidence angles. The results show the potential of detecting very sm all voids embedded in various cylinders. The role of frequency as a de tection sensitivity enhancer is also demonstrated. The angle of incide nce proves to be an important parameter for increased detection sensit ivity. Defect size determination is also shown to be possible. This te chnique shows promise as a test bed for examining the properties of di electric (composite) cylinders.