Behavioral characteristics of composite-antenna-structure covering three bands under compression load

Abstract

A composite-antenna-structure covering three bands of global positioning system (1.575 GHz), digital multimedia broadcasting (2.62 GHz) and direct broadcast satellite (11.7–13.5 GHz) was designed and fabricated as a part of the structure surfaces. A new concept of antennas integrated into a composite sandwich structure provides a design that is an electrically and structurally effective multi-functional antenna structure. We designed two types of antennas. One is an annular ring patch antenna for global positioning system and digital multimedia broadcasting. The other is a microstrip patch antenna for direct broadcast satellite. In the design process, the effects of the composites and adhesive films are considered for in the design processes, because structural materials affect the antenna performance. Additionally, the composite-antenna-structure was designed by considering the coupling effect in a strict substrate. The measured results of buckling tests have provided useful information regarding not only the compression behavioral characteristics but also its degradation in electrical performance before and after the test. The experimental results have shown good results for compressive tolerance, though the specimens after compression loading returns to their original shape before failure. Additionally, an acoustic emission system is implemented in the buckling test system to study the inner behavior of the composite-antenna-structure for the reliability of secure mechanical performance. The antenna performance, as measured by the return loss and radiation pattern, remained excellent after the compression tests. These electrical performance results suggest that antennas with composite laminates will function well despite damage.