Developmental Efforts w.r.t Mechanically Active Antenna Reflector using PZT Patches for EC-IC Coverage - A Novel Futuristic Concept
- Paper number
IAC-08.B2.1.12
- Author
Dr. BHAWDEEP SINGH Munjal, Indian Space Research Organization, India
- Coauthor
Dr. SHASHI BHUSHAN SHARMA, Indian Space Research Organisation, India
- Coauthor
Mr. ANIL CHAND MATHUR, Indian Space Research Organisation, India
- Year
2008
- Abstract
In this paper, an attempt has been made to simplify & study the complex static shape displacement problems of parabolic antenna reflectors by using limited number of piezoceramic actuators. Finite Element (FE) modeling has been carried out for a 450 mm diameter Aluminum parabolic shell surface with piezoelectric actuators using ATILA, a Finite Element software for modeling structures with smart materials and structural systems. A 300 mm diameter Lexan reflector has also been studied for the point of view of shape investigations. Experiments have been conducted on number of small structural systems like cantilever beams before taking up the parabolic shells. When a piezoelectric actuator is attached to the reflector surface, the converse effects develop a bending moment in the structure making the reflector show displacements inward or outward under an electrical field. Finite element and experimental results have been tabulated. Efforts are in progress for developing a feed back control loop using MATLAB / LABVIEW software for 1.2m C-band full fledged reconfigurable reflector under Technology Development Programme mode using sensors and actuators pasted on a smart backup structure concept Moreover, the bending of the Lexan reflector skin due to Unimorphs (for RF applications the metalized polycarbonate material like Lexan & Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) with tailor made low thermal expansion characteristics can be used ) has potential applications in antenna beam Steering, beam Shaping in futuristic Reconfigurable antennas for space programmes . Efforts are going on to develop a feed back control loop using MATLAB / LABVIEW software for 1.2m C-band full fledged reconfigurable reflector under Technology Development Programme mode using sensors and actuators pasted on a smart backup structure concept. Attempt is being made to control the Lower Zernike modes for achieving the right inward outward deformations of the skin as obtained by TICRA software for few master points w.r.t the 3X3 grid or 4x4 grids. This bending of the reflector skin has potential applications in antenna beam shaping and beam steering in futuristic reconfigurable antenna reflectors required for India coverage (IC) to Extended Coverage (EC) . It may also be useful for on-orbit shape correction of futuristic inflatable spacecraft antennas.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B2.1.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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