Integrated Mast Antenna Design and Evaluation
Abstract
This proposal addresses the development and demonstration of an Integrated Composite Mast-Antenna technology. The objective of the t,echnology is to replace multiple legacy radiators and receivers on the submarine communication mast with a minimum number of multi-f,unction broad bandwidth conformal antennas integrated into a composite Radar Absorbing capable Structure (RAS-capable) version of th,e mast. The four key areas addressed are: (a) development and validation of the magnetically permeable composite materials required,to support the desired antenna performance, (b) design and verification of the conformal permeable antennas to cover LOS and SATCOM,functions from HF through UHF with only two antennas, (c) analysis and design of the composite structure of the mast to meet expecte,d mechanical and environmental requirements while allowing integration of the antennas, and (d) design of the composite mast structu,re to demonstrate the capability to perform RAS function while at the same time enhancing its communication functions. The conformal, permeable antenna designs are based on developments in previous ONR funded work that demonstrated that a single permeable antenna,,using the mast itself as the main radiator, can cover LOS vertical polarization communication requirements with a bandwidth in exces,s of 10:1, sufficient to span from HF through UHF. A key feature of that design is the damping of the natural resonant modes of the,mast using high-performance permeable materials from the electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression industry. Such a material ca,n then be used as an integral component of the RAS function of the mast. *Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212074
Entities
People
- Rodolfo Diaz
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy