Abstract: A method for nondestructive inspection of ceramic structures present as either a ceramic matrix composite structure or a ceramic based coating. Such non-metallic structures are used to provide thermal protection or weight reduction or both to aircraft and their components. The nonmetallic structure is scanned with an electromagnetic pulse in the range of 200 GHz to 4 THz. The electromagnetic pulse includes a plurality of frequencies within the Terahertz range and is not restricted to a single designated frequency. The frequency range is sensitive to changes in impedances and refractive index within the structure. After the electromagnetic pulse passes through the nonmetallic structure, it may be evaluated for changes in impedance in the nonmetallic structure at different locations, and, when present, whether the changes in impedance impact the ability of the structure to perform the function for which it was designed.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive inspection of ceramic structures present as either a ceramic matrix composite structure or a ceramic based coating. Such non-metallic structures are used to provide thermal protection or weight reduction or both to aircraft and their components. The nonmetallic structure is scanned with an electromagnetic pulse in the range of 200 GHz to 4 THz. The electromagnetic pulse includes a plurality of frequencies within the Terahertz range and is not restricted to a single designated frequency. The frequency range is sensitive to changes in impedances and refractive index within the structure. After the electromagnetic pulse passes through the nonmetallic structure, it may be evaluated for changes in impedance in the nonmetallic structure at different locations, and, when present, whether the changes in impedance impact the ability of the structure to perform the function for which it was designed.

Abstract: Wind turbine rotor blades with a reduced radar cross sections include a shell having a leading edge opposite a trailing edge, a structural support member that supports the shell and is disposed internal the wind turbine rotor blade between the leading edge and the trailing edge and extends for at least a portion of a rotor blade span length, wherein the structural support member comprises carbon fiber, one or more cavities internal the wind turbine rotor blade, and a lightweight broadband radar absorbing filler material disposed in at least one of the one or more cavities to provide the reduced radar cross section.

Abstract: Wind turbine rotor blades with a reduced radar cross sections include a shell having a leading edge opposite a trailing edge, a structural support member that supports the shell and is disposed internal the wind turbine rotor blade between the leading edge and the trailing edge and extends for at least a portion of a rotor blade span length, wherein the structural support member comprises carbon fiber, one or more cavities internal the wind turbine rotor blade, and a lightweight broadband radar absorbing filler material disposed in at least one of the one or more cavities to provide the reduced radar cross section.