Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR
Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

Fraunhofer FHR-Newsletter 12/2023

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the new newsletter from Fraunhofer FHR. We are pleased to present to you, four times a year, brief and concise updates on current research topics from our three sections: Multifunctional RF- and Radar-Systems (MFR), Radar for Space Situational Awareness (RWL), and Industrial High Frequency Systems (IHS). In our inaugural issue, discover how radar, as a cutting-edge technology, contributes significantly to mine detection, in-line measurements in steel production, and the assessment of situations in low Earth orbit. For more information or interviews, our contact persons are at your disposal.

Wishing you an engaging read, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Prof. Peter Knott and Prof. Dirk Heberling
Directors of Fraunhofer FHR

Current Research Projects at Fraunhofer FHR

 

© Fraunhofer FHR

Radar technology detects mines in the ground

The threat of landmines in the ground is increasing in the face of wars and conflicts worldwide. In efforts to clear areas of landmines, the detection of mines in the ground poses a significant challenge. A considerable portion of objects in the ground includes empty oil canisters, broken shopping carts, or simply an old soda can. Additionally, there are cases where improvised explosive devices are accompanied by the scattering of debris to make detection more difficult for the enemy. This is where the work of researchers, led by Dr. Christian Bräu, group leader of UWB radar at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR in Wachtberg, becomes crucial.

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© Fraunhofer FHR / Andreas Schoeps

GESTRA EUSST is taking off: Project milestone achieved

Networks of multiple radar units prove to be far superior to individual radar systems, as demonstrated by a study conducted by Fraunhofer FHR. The GESTRA EUSST project aims to showcase this in practice. The space surveillance radar, GESTRA, is set to be coupled with a newly developed receiver named EUSST. In the future, these two systems will provide more precise information by being spatially separated but interconnected. The GESTRA EUSST project was initiated in early 2021 under the auspices of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The arrival of the GESTRA EUSST container in Wachtberg marks a significant milestone for the project.

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© Fraunhofer FHR / Sabine Gütgemann

Increased Efficiency through Precise Inline Measurement: Radar Technologies for the Steel Industry

Steam, scale, and splashing water: Harsh environmental conditions prevail in the hot rolling mills of steel production. Conventional measurement systems, such as optical or X-ray systems, are often impractical in these settings. Radar, on the other hand, faces no issues with these adversities and helps bridge monitoring gaps in the production process. For over a decade, Fraunhofer FHR has been working on the development of high-frequency sensor technology for measuring process-relevant parameters under challenging environmental conditions, continuously advancing these technologies. The starting point was a project with the cooperation partner IMS Messsysteme GmbH about 10 years ago, in which a demonstrator for precise width measurement of steel slabs based on radar technology was developed, completed, and put into operation. Since then, intensive research has been ongoing.

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