Leaky coaxial resonant sensor systems and methods

A system, comprising:

• at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator embedded within a material of the system, wherein the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator is formed from a composite material, and
• a leaky coaxial cable antenna configured to interrogate the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator;
• wherein the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator is configured to resonate at a first frequency in response to the interrogation;
• wherein the first frequency is correlated with a concentration of water proximate to the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator;
• wherein the concentration of water is located on an exterior surface of an airborne vehicle;
• and
• wherein the system is part of the airborne vehicle, and the material is found on at least one of:
• a propeller blade, a wing, a body material, landing gear, a cockpit interface, cockpit windshield, or a structural component.

A method, comprising:

• providing at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator embedded within a material, wherein the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator is formed from a composite material, and
• interrogating the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator using a leaky coaxial cable antenna;
• wherein the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator is configured to resonate at a first frequency in response to the interrogation;
• wherein the first frequency is correlated with a concentration of water proximate to the at least one meso-scale or micro-scale resonator;
• wherein the concentration of water is located on an exterior surface of an airborne vehicle;
• and
• wherein the material is part of the airborne vehicle, and the material is found on at least one of:
• a propeller blade, a wing, a body material, landing gear, a cockpit interface, cockpit windshield, or a structural component.