Abstract
The concept of microwave-driven smart material actuators was envisioned anddeveloped as the best option to alleviate the complexity and weight associatedwith a hard-wire-networked power and control system for smart actuator arrays.The patch rectenna array was initially designed for high current output, but hasundergone further development for high voltage output devices used in shape controlapplications. Test results show that more than 200 V of output were obtained from a6 × 6 array at a far-field exposure (1.8 m away) with an X-band input power of 18 W. The6 × 6 array patch rectenna was designed to theoretically generate voltages up to 540 V,but practically it has generated voltages in the range between 200 and 300 V.Testing was also performed with a thin layer composite unimorph ferroelectricdriver and sensor and electro-active paper as smart actuators attached to the6 × 6 array. Flexible dipole rectenna arrays built on thin-film-based flexible membranes are mostapplicable for NASA’s various missions, such as microwave-driven shape controls foraircraft morphing and large, ultra-lightweight space structures. An array of dipolerectennas was designed for high voltage output by densely populating Schottky barrierdiodes to drive piezoelectric or electrostrictive actuators. The dipole rectenna array willeventually be integrated with a power allocation and distribution logic circuit andmicrobatteries for storage of excessive power. The roadmap for the development of wirelesspower drivers based on the rectenna array for shape control requires the development ofnew membrane materials with proper dielectric constants that are suitable for dipolerectenna arrays.
Published Version
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