Advanced Composite Material Study for Millimeter Wavelength Antennas.
Abstract
The purpose of this program was to conduct a theoretical and experimental exploratory development program to establish the required technology to design, fabricate, and test reliable flightworthy advanced composite, extremely high frequency (ehf) antennas for space systems application. The selected materials were fabricated into a 30-inch diameter antenna model. The paraboloid was of sandwich-type construction utilizing GFRP laminate face skins and aluminum core. The paraboloid laminate and sandwich were cured on a low coefficient of thermal expansion ceramic mold developed during the program. The finished antenna model tolerance was 0.003 inch RMS. Many antenna rf reflective coatings were evaluated at 34.4, 60 and 90 GHz. Grafoil and flame sprayed aluminum proved to be excellent rf reflectors at all frequencies. Other materials were good at selective frequencies. Feed support tubes 0.5 inch in diameter were fabricated at 75S/4617 and 5Y/4617 material. Tests showed that both materials could result in zero thermal coefficient of expansion along the axis of the tube by controlling the laminate wrap angle and resin content.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0893368
Entities
People
- Earl Rottmayer
- Ian Butcher
- James W. Haylett
Organizations
- Goodyear Aerospace