Terahertz radiation in non-destructive testing of composite pyrotechnic materials

In the past years, terahertz (THz) technology has received more interest and attention because of its unique properties and capabilities that make it very attractive as a tool for non-destructive evaluation (NDE). Most items consisting of dielectrics, such as plastic, glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP), ceramics, and certain composites (e.g., GFC), are transparent to THz waves, whereas metals and other conducting materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), are opaque to them. Solid pyrotechnics (e.g., rocket fuels) are among those materials that transmit terahertz radiation. The paper presents preliminary results of the possible application of terahertz radiation in the detection of defects in composite pyrotechnic materials.