An Example of Multidisciplinary Work in Aviation: Radome Design

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 39 - 67, 28.05.2025

Salman Murat Durukan , Yeşim Öz , Ahmet Kardaş , Tuğba Burcu Çakır , Ahmet İvenç , Nursev Erdoğan , Mustafa Kocaman , Mesut Uyaner

Abstract

Radome structures are essential in contemporary aerospace and defense systems, safeguarding radar equipment while facilitating the effective transmission of electromagnetic waves. This assessment offers a multidisciplinary analysis of radome design, concentrating on the incorporation of materials engineering, structural mechanics, aerodynamics, and electromagnetic efficiency. Particular focus is placed on composite materials featuring low dielectric constants, metamaterials, and frequency selective surfaces (FSS), which enhance RF transparency and lower radar cross-section (RCS). The influence of structural shapes on aerodynamic resistance and high-speed mechanical strength is examined, along with typical failure modes due to environmental stressors like temperature changes, humidity, and UV radiation. Sophisticated numerical techniques like the Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD), and Method of Moments (MoM) are examined for electromagnetic analysis, whereas Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) evaluates aerodynamic properties and flow dynamics. Furthermore, the document emphasizes recent advancements in combined optimization approaches and design software tools that concurrently tackle electromagnetic, mechanical, and aerodynamic needs. These methods encompass multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) frameworks, topology optimization, and design iterations supported by machine learning. By merging these viewpoints, the research provides a comprehensive strategy for radome design and seeks to facilitate the advancement of next-generation aerospace systems with superior performance, lower detectability, and increased structural durability.

Keywords

Radome Design, Electromagnetic Performance, Multidisciplinary Optimization, Frequency Selective Surface (FSS), Radar Cross Section (RCS), Stealth Technology

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