Methodology to Design Variable-Thickness Streamlined Radomes With Graded Dielectric Multilayered Wall

Abstract

This study focuses on a methodology based on a genetic algorithm to design variable-thickness streamlined radomes with graded dielectric multilayered walls for airborne applications. The methodology begins with a monolithic variable-thickness radome design as the initial configuration. Then, the relationship between the wall thickness and dielectric constant is revealed, which simplifies the subsequent design. Finally, the radome wall is designed as a lamination, and the dielectric constant distribution of the lamination is determined to finish the whole design. By utilizing this methodology, a variable thickness tangent ogive radome with a graded porous nine-layered wall is designed. According to a comparative study, the proposed design shows better electromagnetic (EM) performance than a constant thickness radome with a graded porous wall. In addition, radomes with diverse graded wall configurations designed by the methodology show robust EM performance, which suggests that the proposed method provides the possibility to further design high-temperature mechanical properties along with superior EM performance.