Nondestructive Testing Using mm-Wave Sparse Imaging Verified for Singly Curved Composite Panels

Nondestructive testing (NDT) of composite materials is important in aerospace applications, and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) imaging has been increasingly used for this purpose. Imaging traditionally performed using Fourier methods, with inverse methods being an alternative. This communication presents mm-wave method approach intended NDT singly curved panels sparsely distributed flaws. It builds on previous work which was limited to planar panels. The move from increases the applicability applications. reference-free due a numerical source separation algorithm exploits sparsity reconstruction scatterers. demonstrated near-field measurements at 60 GHz industrially manufactured panel deliberate Compared more traditional method, our generates images higher resolution dynamic range. Flaw detection also easier as it less background clutter.