Design of Composite Multilayer Surface Antenna Structure and Its Bending Fatigue Characteristics

Abstract

The present study aims to design a multilayer microstrip antenna with composite sandwich construction and investigate fatigue behavior of this multilayer SAS ( surface antenna structure) that was asymmetric sandwich structure for the next generation of structural surface technology. This term, SAS, indicates that the structural surface becomes an antenna. Constituent materials were selected considering electrical properties, dielectric constant and tangent loss as well as mechanical properties. For the antenna performance, antenna elements inserted into structural layers were designed for satellite communication at a resonant frequency of 12.2 GHz. From electrical measurements, it was shown that antenna performances were in good agreement with design requirements. In cyclic 4-point bending, flexure behavior was investigated by static and fatigue test. Fatigue life curve of the SAS was obtained. The experimental results of bending fatigue were compared with single load level fatigue life prediction equations and in good agreement. The SAS concept is can be extended to give a useful guide for manufacturers of structural body panels as well as antenna designers. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008