Multi-Layer and Conformally Integrated Structurally Embedded Vascular Antenna (SEVA) Arrays.

Amrita Bal,Geoffrey J Frank,Darren J Hartl,Gregory H Huff,Thao Gibson,Jeffery W Baur,Hong Pan

doi:10.3390/s21051764

Abstract

This work presents the design and fabrication of two multi-element structurally embedded vascular antennas (SEVAs). These are achieved through advances in additively manufactured sacrificial materials and demonstrate the ability to embed vascular microchannels in both planar and complex-curved epoxy-filled quartz fiber structural composite panels. Frequency-reconfigurable antennas are formed by these structures through the pressure-driven transport of liquid metal through the embedded microchannels. The planar multi-layer topology examines the ability to fabricate two co-located radiating structures separated by a single ply of quartz fabric within the composite layup. The multi-element linear array topology composed of microchannels embedded on to a single-layer are used to demonstrate the ability to conformally-integrate these channels into a complex curved surface that mimics an array of antennas on the leading edge of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A parallel-strip antipodal dipole feed structure provides excitation and serves as the interface for fluid displacement within the microchannels to facilitate reconfiguration. The nominal design of the SEVAs achieve over a decade of frequency reconfiguration with respect to the fundamental dipole mode of the antenna. Experimental and predicted results demonstrate the operation for canonical states of the antennas. Additional results for the array topology demonstrate beam steering and contiguous operation of interconnected elements in the multi-element structure.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are deployed to serve a wide variety of commercial, municipal, and defense applications including health care, public safety, mobile network coverage diagnostics, etc. [1,2,3]
This has facilitated a need for robust, shape-conformal, and frequency reconfigurable antennas and phased arrays that can adapt to dynamic operational scenarios; these vehicles are required in many scenarios to maintain reliable and long-range communication with a ground station
Leverages advances in additive manufacturing techniques to synthesize complex co-located vascular networks that provide additional operational degrees of freedom with respect to the antenna performance metrics demonstrated by the original structurally embedded vascular antenna (SEVA) in [30]

Summary

Introduction

Introduction published maps and institutional affilUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are deployed to serve a wide variety of commercial, municipal, and defense applications including health care, public safety, mobile network coverage diagnostics, etc. [1,2,3]. The growing utilization of UAV-based application spaces and the growing complexity of their missions have increased the need for more robust communication and sensing systems that support these wireless links. This has facilitated a need for robust, shape-conformal, and frequency reconfigurable antennas and phased arrays that can adapt to dynamic operational scenarios; these vehicles (controlled remotely or autonomously) are required in many scenarios to maintain reliable and long-range communication with a ground station. Reconfigurable, multi-band, and/or broadband omnidirectional antennas used in UAV applications have been proposed in response to this (e.g., [4,5,6,7,8,9]). Antenna arrays have been used in-place of single antennas in these applications to provide enhanced gain and scanning capabilities (e.g., [10,11,12]). iations.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion