Deformation analysis and experiments for functional surface of composite antenna structure

Abstract

Composite structure with embedded microstrip antenna array is a multifunctional structure that can provide the capabilities of a panel skin structure and a radar antenna simultaneously, and it is usually installed in the structural surface of the air, water, and ground vehicles. The environmental load under in-service conditions leads to structural deformations of the composite antenna structure. In this paper, theoretical analysis and experimental validations were presented to investigate the deformations of the functional surface in the composite antenna structure. An electromechanical coupling analysis method was proposed to evaluate the performance of the deformed composite antenna structure subjected to external loads. Composite antenna structure specimens were designed, fabricated, and measured. Using the specimens, experimental systems were built to investigate the deformation. The results show that structural deformation decreases the electromagnetic performance of the composite antenna. The coupling analysis method can be applied to evaluate the performance of the deformed composite antenna structure at the design stage.