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Waveguide Plumbing - Continued | Up
Neets Module 11-Microwave Principles | Next
WAVEGUIDE DEVICES |
1-40
Figure 1-52.—Rotating joint.
Distance "O" is 3/4! so that a high impedance will be presented to any unwanted modes. This is the
most common design used for rotating joints, but other types may be used in specific applications.
WAVEGUIDE MAINTENANCE.—The installation of a waveguide system presents problems that
are not normally encountered when dealing with other types of transmission lines. These problems often
fall within the technician's area of responsibility. A brief discussion of waveguide handling, installation,
and maintenance will help prepare you for this maintenance responsibility. Detailed information
concerning waveguide maintenance in a particular system may be found in the technical manuals for the
system.
Since a waveguide naturally has a low loss ratio, most losses in a waveguide system are caused by
other factors. Improperly connected joints or damaged inner surfaces can decrease the efficiency of a
system to the point that it will not work at all. Therefore, you must take great care when working with
waveguides to prevent physical damage. Since waveguides are made from a soft, conductive material,
such as copper or aluminum, they are very easy to dent or deform. Even the slightest damage to the inner
surface of a waveguide will cause standing waves and, often, internal arcing. Internal arcing causes
further damage to the waveguide in an action that is often self-sustaining until the waveguide is damaged
beyond use. Part of your job as a technician will be to inspect the waveguide system for physical damage.
The previously mentioned dents are only one type of physical damage that can decrease the efficiency of
the system. Another problem occurs because waveguides are made from a conductive material such as
copper while the structures of most ships are made from steel. When two dissimilar metals, such as
copper and steel, are in direct contact, an electrical action called ELECTROLYSIS takes place that causes
very rapid corrosion of the metals. Waveguides can be completely destroyed by electrolytic corrosion in a
relatively short period of time if they are not isolated from direct contact with other metals. Any
inspection of a waveguide system should include a detailed inspection of all support points to ensure that
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