Impact evaluation of composite-antenna-structure with embedded dual-band annular ring patch antenna

Abstract

In this study, a composite-antenna-structure (CAS) for a dual band of global positioning system (1.575 GHz) and digital multimedia broadcasting (2.63–2.655 GHz) was designed and fabricated as a part of a structural skin. The annular ring antenna type is available in two frequency bands, depending on the critical point view at the feeding and resonant areas. Consequently, the CAS was investigated by impact tests because the efficiency of using a protective layer needed to be confirmed. Embedding an antenna within a structural surface is an excellent way to improve both mechanical efficiency and electrical performance. The measured results not only show the impact characteristics at critical points of this CAS but also the degradation in its electrical performance after the impact test. The experimental results indicated that impact tolerance was significantly increased by the use of composite laminates. The radiation pattern strongly depended on whether composite laminates protected the antenna elements. When 20 J of impact energy was applied to the CAS surface, the specimen with the composite laminates gave twice as much contact force. The antenna performance, as measured by the return loss and radiation pattern, remained excellent after the impact tests. These electrical performance results suggest that antennas with composite laminates will function properly despite local damage.

Behavioral characteristics of composite-antenna-structure covering three bands under compression load

“…A change in resonant frequency implies a change in the effective dielectric constant of the CAS, and the gain decreases because of the loss in the dielectric material in the reinforcement layers. 1 When a transmission line is covered by a dielectric material (reinforcement layer), the characteristic impedance, phase velocity and losses of the line all vary depending on the dielectric constant, loss tangent and geometry of the layer. The change in the resonant frequency of the CAS can be determined if the effective dielectric constant of the structure is known with and without the dielectric material.…”

“…The protrusion of the antenna structure outside the vehicle surface reduces efficiency. 1 Furthermore, modern communication systems have experienced high market demand, and the trend is likely to continue in the future. As a result of the rapid progress in new wireless communication standards such as global positioning system (GPS), digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and new multimedia applications, the demand for wireless terminals capable of operating with multiple or wide bands is increasing.…”

Development and coupling analysis of active skin antenna

“…Many researchers have been dedicated to the design and fabrication of passive skin antennas, and proposed different concepts such as the conformal load-bearing antenna [4][5][6][7][8][9], smart skin antenna [3,10], composite-antenna-structure [11][12][13], multilayer surface antenna structure [14][15][16][17], structurally integrated antenna [1,18], three dimensionally integrated microstrip antenna [19][20][21][22][23], composite antenna array [13,24,25], and so on. Almost all past investigations have been dedicated to the design and fabrication of the passive skin antenna.…”

“…In addition, experimental studies were also applied to evaluate the effect of external loads on performance. The fatigue test [17], compression test [13], bending test [3,14], and lowvelocity impact test [4,12,25,26] were applied to evaluate the mechanical performance of the passive skin antenna, and then the damaged antenna was assessed in an anechoic chamber to determine electromagnetic performance. Experimental results showed that the passive skin antenna continued to function properly, despite degradation of electromagnetic performance.…”

Electromagnetic wave characteristics of second‐order composite frequency‐selective surfaces fabricated by e‐beam evaporator

“…An FSS made from carbon and glass fibres [2] will not have skirt characteristics, because the electric conductivity of carbon fibres is relatively low compared with that of conventional metals. Therefore, if these materials are used to provide mechanical strength to an FSS, the resulting frequency shift and impedance mismatching can be corrected by a properly designed FSS [3]. Furthermore, if a narrow band must be selected, an FSS must be designed carefully to obtain good electrical performance.…”