Conformal Frequency Selective Surfaces in Radome Design: A Mini Review

Abstract

In aerospace engineering, radomes play an important role in protecting antenna systems from external interference and minimizing air resistance during flight. However, traditional radomes often fall short of providing the electromagnetic filtering and stealth capabilities important for modern aircraft applications. Conformal Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) radomes represent an evolutionary step beyond their conventional counterparts. These structures not only continue to protect antenna structures from environmental adversities, but also adapt seamlessly to non-planar surfaces. This adaptation is not only functional but also covers aerodynamic and aesthetic considerations, improving stealth capabilities and multi-band frequency operability, which are key factors for state-of-the-art communications and radar systems. However, design and implementation of conformal FSS radomes have some challenges. Considering that one of the authors has focused on such challenges for new generation air platforms, this study examines the contemporary advancements in conformal FSS radome technology, highlighting the latest research and breakthroughs. It covers latest findings on cutting-edge materials, design methodologies, simulation techniques for performance prediction, and the practical applications and advantages of these radomes. Building on a theoretical foundation of FSS and radome integration, the article discusses material and design innovations, simulation challenges, and practical implementations. It is hoped that this review will act as a bridge for knowledge sharing and a stimulant for continued research within the domain of conformal FSS radome technology

Keywords

• Conformal Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS)
• Radomes
• Aerospace Engineering

Radom Tasarımında Konformal Frekans Seçi̇ci̇ Yüzeyler Üzerine Kısa bir Değerlendirme

Abstract

Havacılık mühendisliğinde, radomlar anten sistemlerini dış müdahalelerden koruma ve uçuş sırasında hava direncini en aza indirme konusunda önemli bir rol oynar. Ancak, geleneksel radomlar modern uçak uygulamaları için önemli olan elektromanyetik filtreleme ve gizlilik yeteneklerini sağlama konusunda genellikle yetersiz kalır. Konformal frekans seçici yüzey (FSY) radomları, geleneksel muadillerinin ötesinde evrimsel bir adımı temsil eder. Bu yapılar, sadece anten yapılarını çevresel olumsuzluklardan korumakla kalmaz, aynı zamanda düzlemsel olmayan yüzeylere sorunsuz bir şekilde uyum sağlar. Bu uyum, sadece işlevsel değil, aynı zamanda aerodinamik ve estetik kaygıları da kapsar, gizlilik yeteneklerini ve çok bantlı frekans çalışabilirliğini artırır; bu da en son iletişim ve radar sistemleri için anahtar faktörlerdir. Konformal FSY radomların tasarım ve gerçeklenmesinde çok ciddi zorluklar vardır. Yazarlardan birinin yeni jenerasyon hava platofrmları için bu tip zorluklara odaklandığı dikkate alınarak bu çalışma, konformal FSY radom teknolojisindeki çağdaş gelişmeleri incelemekte, en son araştırmaları ve atılımları vurgulamaktadır. En son malzemeler, tasarım metodolojileri, performans tahmini için simülasyon teknikleri ve bu radomların pratik uygulamaları ve avantajları ele alınmaktadır. FSY ve radom entegrasyonunun teorik temeli üzerine inşa edilen makale, malzeme ve tasarım yeniliklerini, simülasyon zorluklarını ve pratik uygulamaları tartışmaktadır. Bu incelemenin, konformal FSY radom teknolojisi alanında bilgi paylaşımı için bir köprü ve sürekli araştırmalar için bir teşvik olması umulmaktadır

Keywords

• Konformal Frekans Seçici Yüzeyler (FSY)
• Radom
• Havacılık Mühendisliği

Supporting Institution

Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii AŞ.

Ethical Statement

Savunma Bilimleri Dergisi yazım Kurallarına uygun olarakhazırladığım bu tez çalışmasında; • Tez içinde sunduğum verileri, bilgileri ve dokümanları akademik ve etik kurallar çerçevesinde elde ettiğimi, • Tüm bilgi, belge, değerlendirme ve sonuçları bilimsel etik ve ahlak kurallarına uygun olarak sunduğumu, • Tez çalışmasında yararlandığım eserlerin tümüne uygun atıfta bulunarak kaynak gösterdiğimi, • Kullanılan verilerde herhangi bir değişiklik yapmadığımı, • Bu tezde sunduğum çalışmanın özgün olduğunu, bildirir, aksi bir durumda aleyhime doğabilecek tüm hak kayıplarını kabullendiğimi beyan ederim.

Thanks

Çalışmalarım boyunca değerli yardım ve katkılarıyla beni yönlendiren, kıymetli tecrübelerinden faydalandığım danışman hocalarım Prof. Dr. Ali KARA ve Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Funda Ergün YARDIM’a, manevi destekleriyle beni hiçbir zaman yalnız bırakmayan çok değerli aileme ve arkadaşlarıma teşekkürü bir borç bilirim.

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