An improved method for measuring properties of nonhomogeneous materials by a two-polarization forward-scattering measurement

A new method for measuring properties of granular materials with a two-polarization scattering measurement combined with free-space phase and attenuation measurements is introduced. The theoretical backround of the measurement method is presented. Laboratory measurements of the depolarized scattering cross-sections of white rice, green lentils polystyrene beads, polyethylene beads and mixtures of them at 10 and 35 GHz with a vector network analyzer and two horn antennas are presented. Results are compared with those based on the first order multiple scattering theory. Also laboratory tests on the compensation of the effects of changes in the number density and the permittivity of the inclusions of mixtures using phase and attenuation measurements are presented.