Smart skin conformal load-bearing antenna and other smart structures developments

Hopkins, Mark A.; Tuss, James; Lockyer, Alien J.; Alt, Kevin H.; Kinslow, Robert W.; Kudva, Jayanth N.

doi:10.2514/6.1997-1163

Cited by 26 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…ONFORMAL load-bearing smart skins (CLSS) are seen as a new avenue of research to enable multi-functional structural components [1]- [7]. These new multi-functional components exhibit optimized electrical and mechanical properties which may enhance the capability of an aerospace platform [2]. For example, conformal load-bearing antenna structures (CLAS) have been seen as one solution to CLSS where structural weight savings can be gained by integrating antennas in typical composite laminates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tomographic Characterization of a Multifunctional Composite High-Impedance Surface

Nicholson

Baum

Ziolkowski

et al. 2018

IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Techn.

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The performance of a multi-functional composite high impedance surface (HIS) has been evaluated using the coherent Doppler tomography (CDT) and finite impulse response (FIR) filtering techniques. The HIS was fabricated using a combination of embroidery and advanced laser manufacturing processes. The result is a new conformable multi-functional glass fiber re-enforced polymer (GFRP) substrate suitable for structural load-bearing smart skin applications. The CDT method was utilized because it enabled the generation of a high resolution tomographic map of the HIS reflectivity. Tomograms generated at high incidence angles (> 80° from normal) were used to localize and FIR filter unwanted scattering associated with the ground plane edges and HIS transition regions. The resulting scattered fields from a defect (metallic block positioned in the center of the tomogram) were then used to assess the surface wave absorption within the HIS. Measured and simulated results are in excellent agreement.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tomographic Characterization of a Multifunctional Composite High-Impedance Surface

Nicholson

Baum

Ziolkowski

et al. 2018

IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Techn.

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“…To reduce the aerodynamic drag and improve aircraft speed, significant amount of research has been undertaken for embedding antennas in load‐bearing structural surfaces of aircrafts as multifunctional antenna component panels . In 1990s, conformal load‐bearing antenna structures (CLAS) and surface‐antenna‐structure were built to improve both structural efficiency and antenna performance . The sandwich construction of the electric component layer and honeycomb substrate layer showed excellent weight efficiency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electromagnetic performance and impact damage of the microstrip antennas integrated in cylindrical three dimensional woven composite structures

Sun

Zhang

et al. 2017

Polymer Composites

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A three dimensional integrated microstrip antenna (3DIMA) is a novel multifunctional structure, which can perform as a load bearing structure and function as an antenna. In this study, a single-element and a double-element microstrip antenna were integrated into cylindrical three-dimensional woven glass fiber/epoxy composites respectively. Their electromagnetic performance and impact damage were investigated. The results showed that with the decrease of the curvature radii from 75 to 25 mm, the single-element 3DIMAs with the feed direction perpendicular to the curvature showed more stable resonant frequencies and gain values than those of 3DIMAs with the feed direction parallel to the curvature. While the opposite results were observed for the double-element 3DIMAs. The doubleelement cylindrical 3DIMAs with the feed direction parallel to the curvature showed the best voltage standing wave ratios (VSWR < 1.25), resonant frequencies (near 1.5 GHz), gains (from 2.37 to 1.44 dB) and reasonable radiation pattern properties. In addition, impact tests were conducted with the impact energies ranging from 0 to 20 J. The results showed that the VSWRs slightly changed, demonstrating good impact resistance, and structural integrity of cylindrical 3DIMA structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000-000, 2017.

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“…The notion of smart skins generalized the ability to integrate more complex systems into composite skin panels [13]. The primary purpose behind this high integration is to better utilize the limited real-estate on many platforms (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of microwave active elements embedded in composite structures

Baum

Ghorbani

Ziolkowski

et al. 2016

2016 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS)

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-Multifunctional structures have become popular within the past decade as they allow for more efficient utilization of limited real-estate available on many civilian and military platforms. Taking structures and electromagnetics, one can marry these two fields to produce a weight optimized loadbearing microwave structure which may ideally be suited for unmanned aerial systems. This paper investigates the use of textile processes to develop loadbearing smart skins built into a class of structural conformal composite materials called prepregs (resin pre-impregnated fabrics). An example of an active UWB mini-circuits ERA-4SM+ (0-4 GHz) amplifier has been investigated within a 48 g.m -2 pre-preg structural glass material (HexPly914E). This amplifier has been embroidered and cured at 170˚C in an autoclave at 700 kPa pressure. Its performance before and after curing has been examined.

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Smart skin conformal load-bearing antenna and other smart structures developments

Cited by 26 publications

References 7 publications

Tomographic Characterization of a Multifunctional Composite High-Impedance Surface

Tomographic Characterization of a Multifunctional Composite High-Impedance Surface

Electromagnetic performance and impact damage of the microstrip antennas integrated in cylindrical three dimensional woven composite structures

Investigation of microwave active elements embedded in composite structures

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