The Effects of Structural-Induced Deformation on the Resonance of Patch Antennas

Abstract

Conformal Loadbearing Antenna Structures (CLAS) take advantage of a combination of structural and electromagnetic functions. CLAS have been developed as an advanced replacement for conventional antennas (such as blades, wires and dishes) to improve the structural efficiency, as well as the electromagnetic and aerodynamic performance of a platform. The CLAS concept permits the direct integration of microwave radiating elements in the structural skin of a platform. Therefore, the antenna will be subjected to structural loading and will deform accordingly. The effects of these structural-induced deformations on the resonant frequency of the antenna will be reported in this paper. This paper will investigate the performance of a carbon veil patch antenna when it is subject to static in-plane. The work presented will include the effects of in-plane loading on the resonant behavior of the patch antenna when the carbon veil is fully bonded and when it is disbonded by the parent structure. This paper will also discuss the effects of substrate delamination on the RF response of the patch antenna. The RF characteristics of the antenna will be modelled using ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS).