Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of Glass Fiber Composite Radomes with Different Structures and Fiber Orientations

Öz

Radomes are special structures that protect antennas from environmental effects and should not prevent radio wave propagation. For radar and antenna systems to operate properly, signals must be transmitted without interference and, if reflected, received accurately without substantial loss. In this study, the effects of different fiber orientations and sandwich structure on the electromagnetic performance of glass fiber composite radomes were investigated. Although fiber orientation is commonly selected to meet the mechanical design requirements of composite radomes, its influence on the electromagnetic transmission characteristics of monolithic and sandwich glass/epoxy structures has received limited experimental attention. Therefore, this study experimentally investigated the effects of selected fiber-orientation sequences and laminate configurations on electromagnetic transmission performance. Free-space RF transmission measurements were conducted at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 GHz using three specimens from each monolithic and sandwich laminate panel under identical measurement conditions. The received power levels were recorded in dBm and compared with the corresponding no-specimen reference measurement at each frequency. Across the investigated frequency range, the maximum absolute difference in received power between the two monolithic fiber-orientation sequences was 1.59 dB, while the corresponding maximum difference between the two sandwich configurations was 1.30 dB. The maximum difference between the average monolithic and sandwich configurations was 2.74 dB, which was observed at 10 GHz. These findings suggest that, under the investigated material, specimen geometry, frequency range, antenna polarization, and measurement conditions, the selected fiber-orientation sequences can be determined primarily based on mechanical design requirements without causing substantial variations in electromagnetic transmission performance. 

Anahtar Kelimeler

• radomes
• Glass Fiber Composite
• Radio Waves
• Electromagnetic Permeability

Farklı Yapıda ve Fiber Oryantasyonda Cam Elyaf Kompozit Radomlarda Elektromanyetik Performans Analizi

Öz

Radomlar, antenleri çevresel etkilerden koruyan özel yapılardır ve radyo dalgalarının yayılmasını engellememelidir. Radar ve anten sistemlerinin düzgün çalışabilmesi için sinyallerin parazitsiz bir şekilde iletilmesi ve yansıtıldıkları takdirde önemli bir kayıp olmaksızın doğru bir şekilde alınması gerekir. Bu çalışmada, farklı elyaf yönelimlerinin ve sandviç yapının cam elyaf kompozit radomların elektromanyetik performansı üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Elyaf yönelimi genellikle kompozit radomların mekanik tasarım gereksinimlerini karşılamak üzere seçilse de, bunun monolitik ve sandviç cam/epoksi yapıların elektromanyetik iletim özellikleri üzerindeki etkisi, deneysel olarak sınırlı ölçüde ele alınmıştır. Bu nedenle, bu çalışmada seçilen lif yönelim dizileri ve laminat konfigürasyonlarının elektromanyetik iletim performansı üzerindeki etkileri deneysel olarak incelenmiştir. Boş uzayda RF iletim ölçümleri, her bir monolitik ve sandviç laminat panelden alınan üç numune kullanılarak 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ve 12 GHz frekanslarında, aynı ölçüm koşulları altında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Alınan güç seviyeleri dBm cinsinden kaydedildi ve her frekansta ilgili numunesiz referans ölçümle karşılaştırıldı. İncelenen frekans aralığı boyunca, iki monolitik fiber yönlendirme dizisi arasında alınan güçtaki maksimum mutlak fark 1,59 dB iken, iki sandviç konfigürasyon arasındaki karşılık gelen maksimum fark 1,30 dB idi. Ortalama monolitik ve sandviç konfigürasyonları arasındaki maksimum fark 2,74 dB idi ve bu fark 10 GHz'de gözlemlendi. Bu bulgular, incelenen malzeme, numune geometrisi, frekans aralığı, anten polarizasyonu ve ölçüm koşulları altında, seçilen fiber yönlendirme dizilerinin, elektromanyetik iletim performansında önemli değişikliklere yol açmadan, öncelikle mekanik tasarım gereksinimlerine dayalı olarak belirlenebileceğini göstermektedir. 

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Radom
• Cam elyaf kompozit
• Radyo Dalgaları
• Elektromanyetik Geçirgenlik

Kaynakça

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radome “Radome”, Wikipedia, April 29, 2024
2. [2] www.radome.net, “Antennas for Communications”, April 29, 2024
3. [3] M. Özdin, “Tümleşik Anten Kulesi İçin Geniş Bantlı Soğurucu Özellikli Çok Katmanlı Frekans Seçici Radom Tasarımı”, Doktora Tezi, Elektrik-Elektronik Mühendisliği, Karabük Üniversitesi, Karabük, Türkiye, 2020
4. [4] Y. M. Pei, A. M. Zeng, L. C. Zhou, R. B. Zhang, K. X. Xu, “Electromagnetic optimal design for dual-band radome wall with alternating layers of staggered composite and Kagome lattice structure”, Progress in Electromagnetics Research, Vol. 122, pp. 437-452, 2012
5. [5] S. Sunil, K. S. Venu, S. M. Vaitheeswaran, U. Raveendranath, “A Modified Expression for Determining the Wall Thickness of Monolithic Half-Wave Radomes”, Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, Vol. 30, No. 5, 2001
6. [6] C. Kumar, H. Mohammed, G. Peake, “mm Wave Radar Radome Design Guide”, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Texas, USA, August 2021
7. [7] Z. Wang, J. K. Nelson, H. Hillborg, S. Zhao, L. S. Schadler, “Dielectric constant and breakdown strength of polymer composites with high aspect ratio fillers studied by finite element models”, Composites Science and Technology, vol. 76, pp. 29-36, 2013
8. [8] Y. Xia, Y. Zeng, D. Jiang, “Mechanical and dielectric properties of porous Si3N4 ceramics using PMMA as pore former”, Ceramics International, Vol. 37, pp. 3775-3779, 2011

9. [9] L. Shangji, Z. Huiyuan, D. Chang, S. Lizhong” Electrical properties analysis of conical radome”, IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Wireless Broadband, Oct. 2016
10. [10] Z. Qamar, J. L. Salazar-Cerreno, N. Aboserwal, “An Ultra-Wide Band Radome for High-Performance and Dual-Polarized Radar and Communication Systems,” IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 23041-23053, 2020
11. [11] M. M. Al-Ali, A. A. Jaradat, A. M. Al-Khateeb, “Optimization of C-like sandwich wall structure for high microwave transmission”, Optik vol. 318, 2024
12. [12] W. Xu, B.Y. Duan, P. Li, G. Yang, Y. Qiu, “Integrated optimum design of metal space frame radomes with variable size members involving electromagnetic and structural analysis”, IET Microwave. Antennas & Propagation, Vol. 11, No. 11, pp. 1565-1571, 2017
13. [13] H. Yang, T. Li, J. Liao, J. Zou, T. Wu, Z. Gou, Z. Li, S. Li, “A filtering polarization conversion electromagnetic surface for simultaneous RCS reduction and transmission,” Results in Physics, Vol. 67, 2024
14. [14] R. Shavit, A. P. Smolski, E. Michielssen, R. Mittra, “Scattering Analysis of High-Performance Large Sandwich Radomes,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 40, No.2, pp. 126-133, February 1992
15. [15] M. Skolnik, “Reflector Antennas”, Radar Handbook, 3rd ed., The McGraw-Hill Companies, USA, 2008, Ch. 12.39-12.41
16. [16] B. C. Kışla, Y. E. Yörük, “Elektromanyetik Geçirgen Kompozit Hibrit Malzemelerin Tasarımı ve Üretimi”, VOLO Kompozit ve Mühendislik, Ar-Ge Birimi, Ankara, Türkiye, Ocak 2024
17. [17] B. Audone, A. Delogu, P. Moriondo, “Radome Design and Measurements”, IEEE Trans. on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 292-295, June 1988
18. [18] İ. Çor, B. Saka, “Geniş Bantlı Radom Analizi ve Eniyilenmesi”, Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference, İzmir, 2018
19. [19] R. U. Nair, R. M. Jha, “Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of a Novel Monolithic Radome for Airborne Applications”, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 57, No. 11, pp. 3664-3666, November 2009
20. [20] R. Nair, S. Shashidhara, R. M. Jha, “Novel Inhomogeneous Planar Layer Radome Design for Airborne Applications”, IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 11, pp. 854–856, 2012
21. [21] M. T. Aamir, M. A. Nasir, Z. Iqbal, H. A. Khan, “Multi-disciplinary optimization of hybrid composite radomes for enhanced performance”, Results in Engineering, Vol. 20, 2023
22. [22] H. Meng, W. Dou, “Analysis and Design of Radome in Millimeter Wave Band” in Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technologies from Photonic Bandgap Devices to Antenna and Applications, I. Minin, Ed., March 2010, Ch. 17, pp. 383-403
23. [23] M. Ece, “Küçük Ebatlı Radomların Test Edilmesi”, Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Makine Mühendisliği Anabilim Dalı, Erciyes Üniversitesi, Kayseri, Türkiye, 2006
24. [24] Y. Ren, B. Zhang, Z. Zhong, J. Ye, J. Zhang, Z. Fang, F. Ye, “Reusable, high specific surface areas, and excellent thermal stability Al2O3–SiO2 aerogel composites as high-temperature thermal insulators for radome applications”, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Vol. 984, 2024
25. [25] X. Wang, Z. Zhu, Z. Gou, C. Mi, Z. Huang, Y. Yin, L. Zhu, G. Zhang, B. Liu, Y. Xie, X. Wang, “Thermally insulating and wave-transparent magnesium aluminum spinel nanofibers applied from − 196 to 1600 ◦C”, Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol. 502, 2024
26. [26] Y. Dan, J. Yang, “Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of Inhomogeneous Radome Walls Considering Temperature and Ablation”, Aerospace, Vol. 10, 2023
27. [27] J. Deng, G. Zhou, Y. Qiao, “Multidisciplinary design optimization of sandwich-structured radomes”, Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science, Vol. 233(1), pp. 179–189, 2019
28. [28] M. H. Nişancı, Ş. Ç. Yener, “X Bandı Radar Antenleri için Üç Boyutlu (3D) Eklemeli İmalat Yöntemi ile Kompozit Frekans Seçici Yüzey Kaplama Malzemesi Üretimi”, Elektrik-Elektronik Mühendisliği, Sakarya Üniversitesi, Sakarya, 2018
29. [29] R. A. Pandhare, J. D. Shah, A. Kothari, Y. Solunke, F. L. Lohar, D. Yadav, “Ultra-wideband A-Sandwich Radome wall with Multilayer FSS”, IEEE Microwaves, Antennas, and Propagation Conference, 2023
30. [30] Y. Li, Y. Ma, P. Ren, M. Wang, Z. Xiang, “A Dual-Passband Frequency Selective Surface with High Angular Stability and Polarization Insensitivity”, Micromachines, 2024
31. [31] H.N. Liu, H. L. Su, K. H. Lin, C. Y. Wu, C. L. Tang, S. H. Yeh, “Design of antenna radome composed of metamaterials for high gain”, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, pp. 9-14, 2006
32. [32] M. Yazeen, C.V. Vinisha, S. Vandana, M. Suprava, R. U. Nair, “Electromagnetic performance analysis of graded dielectric inhomogeneous streamlined airborne radome”, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 65, No. 5, pp. 2718-2723, May 2017
33. [33] O. Hashimoto, H. Higashi, K. Orikabe, “Measurement of Complex Permittivity of Radome Material at60 GHz Frequency Band”, Electronics and Communications in Japan, Part 1, Vol. 82, No. 12, 1999
34. [34] F. Fitzek, R. H. Rasshofer, “Automotive radome design–reflection reduction of stratified media”, IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 8, pp. 1076-1079, 2009
35. [35] H. Chen, X. Hou, L. Deng, “Design of frequency-selective surfaces radome for a planar slotted waveguide antenna”, IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 8, pp. 1231-1233, 2009
36. [36] H. Zhang, Q. Liu, B. Zhang, J. Ye, Y. Jin, Z. Zhong, Y. Wang, H. Liu, F. Ye, “A comparative study on dielectric and mechanical properties of porous β-Si3N4 ceramics by controlling porosity and microstructure”, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Vol. 42, pp. 905-912, 2022
37. [37] S. J. Perm, N. Alford, A. Templeton, X. Wang, M. Xu, M. Reece, K. Schrapelt, “Effect of Porosity and Grain Size on the Microwave Dielectric Properties of Sintered Alumina”, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Vol. 80, Issue 7, pp. 1885-1888, 1997
38. [38] Z. Cheng, F. Ye, Y. Liu, T. Qıao, J. Li, H. Qin, L. Cheng, L. Zhang, “Mechanical and dielectric properties of porous and wave-transparent Si3N4–Si3N4 composite ceramics fabricated by 3D printing combined with chemical vapor infiltration”, Journal of Advanced Ceramics, Vol. 8, pp. 399-407, 2019
39. [39] MIL-STD-461E, “Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment”, August 1999, Propagation, Vol. 10, No. 15, pp. 1662–1666, June 2016
40. [40] T. Sheret, C. Parini, B. Allen, “Efficient design of a radome for minimized transmission loss”, IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, Vol. 10, No. 15, pp. 1662–1666, June 2016