Multi-Layer and Conformally Integrated Structurally Embedded Vascular Antenna (SEVA) Arrays

Sensors

DarrenJ. Hartl¹  GregoryH. Huff²  Hong Pan³  Amrita Bal³  Thao Gibson⁴  GeoffreyJ. Frank⁵  JefferyW. Baur⁵ 

[1] Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA;Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;Department of Material Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, TX 77840, USA;Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, WBAFB, OH 45433, USA;

关键词: unmanned aerial vehicle;    phased array;    frequency reconfiguration;    beam steering;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s21051764

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This work presents the design and fabrication of two multi-element structurally embedded vascular antennas (SEVAs). These are achieved through advances in additively manufactured sacrificial materials and demonstrate the ability to embed vascular microchannels in both planar and complex-curved epoxy-filled quartz fiber structural composite panels. Frequency-reconfigurable antennas are formed by these structures through the pressure-driven transport of liquid metal through the embedded microchannels. The planar multi-layer topology examines the ability to fabricate two co-located radiating structures separated by a single ply of quartz fabric within the composite layup. The multi-element linear array topology composed of microchannels embedded on to a single-layer are used to demonstrate the ability to conformally-integrate these channels into a complex curved surface that mimics an array of antennas on the leading edge of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A parallel-strip antipodal dipole feed structure provides excitation and serves as the interface for fluid displacement within the microchannels to facilitate reconfiguration. The nominal design of the SEVAs achieve over a decade of frequency reconfiguration with respect to the fundamental dipole mode of the antenna. Experimental and predicted results demonstrate the operation for canonical states of the antennas. Additional results for the array topology demonstrate beam steering and contiguous operation of interconnected elements in the multi-element structure.

【 授权许可】

Unknown