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Lightweight Perforated Waveguide Structure Realized by 3-D Printing for RF Applications.
- Source :
- IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation; Aug2017, Vol. 65 Issue 8, p3897-3904, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Waveguide structures are criticized for their bulky geometry and heavy weight in practical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the weight-reduction technique of the waveguide structures, while maintaining their electrical properties and mechanical fabricability. In this paper, a waveguide perforation technique for lightweight purpose is proposed, and an X-band pyramidal horn antenna that employs this technique is developed and tested. To ease the manufacturing process of the 3-D thin-wall structure, a 3-D metal-direct-printing technology is utilized to fabricate the perforated horn. Meanwhile, a full-metal horn without any perforation and a horn printed in dielectric material but coated with metal are also included to compare with the proposed one. Experimental results show that around two-thirds of the total weight can be reduced. Other measured results in terms of electrical performance are in excellent agreement with the full-metal ones, validating the feasibility of the design and fabrication approach. The novelty of this paper realized by the 3-D printing technique is a promising strategy to inspire lightweight structure designs for radio frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0018926X
- Volume :
- 65
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 124539561
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1109/TAP.2017.2715360