A morphing mechanical and electromagnetic antenna reflector concept based on curved corrugated structures

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Smart antenna concepts for satellite communications involve localized and discrete changes of the surface to produce different electromagnetic signatures and directionality patterns to cover various countries and geographical units with the same system. These changes of local curvature are produced with distributed discrete units, and involve design with weight and power distribution penalties. We describe the design, manufacturing and testing of a different lightweight concept, based on the change of surface provided by snap-through effects created over a curved corrugated panel structure subjected to concentrated loading. Curved panels with either armchair or zigzag corrugations have been manufactured using PEEK thermoplastics and metal reflector patches, and subjected both to 3-point bending mechanical tests and RF transmission and reflectance EM assessments. The different levels of snap-through effects created by the geometry provide a peculiar force-displacement characteristic, which is dependent upon the geometry of the corrugation used. The change in RF reflection between the snap-through and pristine corrugated structures is extremely significant, with an average of 23 dB within the 8 GHz - 9 GHz band. The recoverable nature (multistability) of the snap-through effects indicates that the concept is feasible for future designs of smart reconfigurable antennas.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICAST 2014 - 25th International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies
PublisherInternational Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event25th International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies, ICAST 2014 - The Hague, United Kingdom
Duration: 6 Oct 20148 Oct 2014

Conference

Conference25th International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies, ICAST 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityThe Hague
Period6/10/148/10/14

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