Light-weight, high-gain three-dimensional textile structural composite antenna. (15th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Fujun; Zhang, Kun; Qiu, Yipping
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 185(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03-15
• Subjects: A. Smart materials -- A. 3-Dimensional reinforcement -- B. Electrical properties -- B. Impact behavior; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.107781
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: Due to the multiple dimensional and embeddable characterizations, the three-dimensional woven structure is of great potential as a platform for multifunctional composites. As an example of this concept, we proposed a light-weight and high-gain three-dimensional woven spacer microstrip antenna (3DWS-MA) for the first time by integrating microstrip antenna into 3D woven spacer composites. The single-element 3DWS-MA showed superb electromagnetic performance with the gain value of 7.1 dB, which is more than four orders of magnitude higher than traditional microstrip antenna (2.5 dB). Furthermore, the 3DWS-MA maintained proper resonant frequency and impedance matching after the impact of 18 J, exhibiting excellent structural integrity. Highlights: A novel antenna based on three-dimensional woven spacer composite is proposed. The dielectric properties were theoretically predicted by different methods. Its ultralow density (0.5 g/cm 3 ) is essential for the aerospace applications. Its gain value (7.1 dB) is much higher than that of traditional microstrip antenna. It works well after the impact of 18 J, exhibiting superb structural integrity.