Development of Near-Field Sensor for Detection and Characterization of Ice in Aerospace

This study aims to develop a near-filed sensor using a Complementary Concentric Split Ring Resonator (CCSRR) operating at a resonance frequency of 4.303 GHz for the detection of ice, which can be installed in aircraft to detect ice formation on various critical parts of the aircraft and provide rapid and accurate real-time information and improve the overall aviation safety. The non-invasive nature of the sensor is essential as it does not hinder aviation functionality and maintains the integrity of the aircraft. The methodology of this sensor is based on near-field microwave sensing, where the resonator resonates at various depths of ice, which is reflected in the transmission parameters as a frequency dip. The sensor was designed using the principle of a half-ring coupled resonator with the arrangement of CCSRR. The sensor resonates at 3.583 GHz, obtaining a significant shift with varying ice thickness. Then, the sensor is fabricated and tested. From the results, this CCSRR design is low-cost, noninvasive, compact, and gives real-time information; hence, it is feasible to use on aircraft.