W-band Radome Material Characterization

Abstract

NEEC Abstract - Approved for Public Release : Antenna radome enclosures for advanced radio-frequency and microwave communications systems typically provide limited or no ability to protect antennas from ballistic projectiles and munitions. For W-Band antenna applications the proposed effort is to investigate and characterize possible radome materials which can provide ballistic protection and is transparent to RF fields in the 94 to 96 GHz range. This will be achieved by characterizing the dielectric properties of candidate materials in the frequency range of 90 GHz to 100 GHz, and more specifically, 94 GHz to 96 GHz if the full bandwidth proposed cannot be achieved. The Pennsylvania State University Computational Electromagnetics and Antennas Research Laboratory (PSU-CEARL) will support the effort by drawing from its extensive experience working with microwave material systems (including metamaterials) and these implementations into practical/fieldable electromagnetic devices. These previous efforts have required material modeling/simulation, as well as extensive material characterization efforts. The breadth of the proposed effort includes literature surveys, modeling, simulation, design, development, and characterization of materials. Experimental characterization will be achieved through a series of testing methods, including thru-waveguide measurements and dielectric resonant cavity methods. The results of this effort will provide valuable information to NSWCDD regarding material properties and suitability for integrated into a full W-Band radome device.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 11, 2025
Source ID
N001742310021

Entities

People

  • Douglas H. Werner

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Microwave Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics