Reconfigurable Electrofluidic Networks for Highly Adaptive Electronic Warfare Platforms
Abstract
Military communication, navigation, and radar systems must operate in electromagnetically congested and contested environments. In this environment, the ideal electromagnetic (EM) platform is multi-functional (sensing, communications, electronic countermeasures) and highly adaptive, able to generate and sense radiation across a wide range of frequencies, with controllable directional and polarization sensitivity. Among the critical needs for such adaptive wireless systems are reconfigurable antennas that can dynamically change their radiation patterns or frequency response. By leveraging recent developments in 3-D printing and microfluidics, we propose networks of liquid metal embedded in the structure of a vehicle, aircraft, or other communications/sensing platform. These electrofluidic (EF) networks are physically reconfigurable Ð the conductors can be moved in and out of selected channels to change the electromagnetic characteristics of the platform. This project will focus on four research thrusts: 1) Developing prototyping methods to embed complex fluidic antennas in structural materials. 2) Studying methods to actuate and control conductive fluids in vascular networks. 3) Exploring the new degrees of freedom for reconfigurable antenna elements utilizing electrofluidic networks. 4) Extending electrofluidic network concepts to highly adaptive arrays and apertures. Our results will guide future research and development in this area by identifying feasible methods to fabricate, actuate, package, and test reconfigurable electrofluidic networks and by quantifying their relative advantages and disadvantages with respect to more conventional methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710216
Entities
People
- Jacob J. Adams
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- North Carolina State University
- United States Army