Damage tolerance-based design of conformal antenna composite structure

Abstract

This study presents a new conformal antenna composite structure (CACS) based on damage tolerance for satellite navigation systems. In the CACS, a circularly polarized stacked microstrip antenna is embedded into a composite sandwich structure. Initial debonding defects are introduced between the radiating element and the other layers, in the manufacturing process, to avoid direct coverage of the radiating elements by the adhesive. The test results demonstrate that the CACS functions efficiently at the design operating frequencies, its bearing capacity well satisfies the design requirement, and it receives sufficient navigation satellite signals stably for precise positioning.

Keywords:

• Conformal antenna composite structure
• damage tolerance
• stacked microstrip antenna
• electromagnetic performance
• mechanical performance

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 12002399).