3D printed utility dielectric core manufacturing process for antenna prototyping. Issue 10 (26th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brister, John A.; Edwards, Robert M.
• Is Part Of: IET microwaves, antennas & propagation. Volume 12:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1633
• Page End: 1638
• Publication Date: 2018-04-26
• Subjects: three‐dimensional printing -- dielectric devices -- horn antennas -- antenna feeds -- lenses -- coatings -- dielectric materials -- powders -- helical antennas -- search problems -- optimisation -- lens antennas; 3D printed utility dielectric core manufacturing process -- dielectrically loaded antenna prototyping -- horn antenna feed -- lens -- coating -- powder -- magnesium silicate -- talcum powder -- titanium dioxide -- spherical helical ball antenna -- optimisation -- search algorithm; Microwaves -- Periodicals; Microwave antennas -- Periodicals; Antennas (Electronics) -- Periodicals; Radio wave propagation -- Periodicals; Microwave communication systems -- Periodicals; 621.381305
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-map.2017.1147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8725

Abstract

Abstract : A prototyping method for dielectrically loaded antennas is presented. Dielectric loading has been used with horn antennas, feeds, and lenses. Dielectrics have also been used for coating antennas submerged in water and biological matter and have led to improvements in bandwidth and efficiency as well as antenna miniaturisation. The authors present a new technique to produce variable dielectrics with permittivity from 6 to 28 using two commonly available powders, titanium dioxide (used in foods) and magnesium silicate (used in talcum powder). An example spherical helical ball antenna is used to demonstrate the process. In this antenna, the mixed powders were encased in a 3D printed shell that achieved a reduction in diameter of the spherical antenna by a factor of 1.85. The technique aids rapid prototyping and optimisation using search algorithms.