The MWI High-Temperature Admittance Tunnel is a precision NDT platform designed for the electromagnetic characterization of materials under extreme thermal stress. This system allows for the real-time measurement of complex permittivity and admittance at temperatures reaching 2000°F (1093°C). By utilizing a compact, thermally stabilized tunnel architecture, MWI provides a controlled environment for testing next-generation aerospace and defense materials during simulated re-entry or high-combustion conditions.

System Specifications

• Thermal Range: Continuous and ramped characterization up to 2000°F.
• Frequency Coverage: Broadband performance from 7 GHz to 125 GHz.
• Antenna Configuration: Optimized for interchangeable MWI PRA (Polyrod) antennas to maintain a precise Gaussian beam through thermal ports.
• Compact Footprint: Focused design to minimize thermal loss and ensure maximum field concentration on the heated sample.

Common Engineering Note: Thermal-RF Integration

“Both the High-Temperature Tunnel and Test Fixture utilize MWI’s proprietary thermal isolation technology. This ensures that while the sample reaches 2000°F, the sensitive PRA antenna electronics and VNA connections remain within standard operating temperatures, preserving measurement accuracy and hardware longevity.”

Primary Utility Critical for the evaluation of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), radome materials, and thermal protection systems (TPS) where dielectric stability at high temperatures is non-negotiable.