Radar & Antenna Systems

Multi-Array Design of Slotted Waveguide Antenna Stiffened Structures (SWASS) (Proprietary)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Canfield

The PI proposes to advance the state-of-the-art in multifunctional structures that improve the structural and electromagnetic (EM) radiation performance. Figure 6 illustrates an antenna integrated structure. A major benefit is weight savings. Conventional radar systems installed into an aircraft radome minimize aerodynamic loading effects; however, they are bulky and heavy. Using the whole aircraft skin structure as a radar antenna can save weight and enhance radar performance. The technical objective is to develop a problem formulation, computational modeling, and multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of slotted waveguide antenna stiffened structures (SWASS) in order to achieve optimal global radio frequency (RF) radiation pattern for multiarray antennas on aircraft. The PI proposes to quantify the tradeoff between structural and RF performance for characteristic integrated SWASS design concepts. Multidisciplinary analysis and design optimization problem for SWASS shall be formulated using finite element meshes based on common geometry. Coupled sensitivity equations shall be calculated for gradients of structural and RF performance with respect to structural design variables. The multiobjective design frontier shall be explored to quantify the synergistic benefit to airworthiness of simultaneous structural and RF design.