Structural and Radio-Frequency Co-design and Optimization of Large Deployable Reflectarrays for Space Missions

Andrea Guarriello, Renaud Loison, Daniele Bresciani, Herve Legay, George Goussetis

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Abstract

The structural and Radio-Frequency (RF) design and optimization of a large deployable faceted reflectarray (RA) generating double polarization contour beam are presented in this work. The issue addressed is the thermoelastic stability of large RAs and the impact of the thermoelastic deformation (TED) under transverse thermal gradient on the RA performances. Finite elements TED analysis are conducted on a deployable RA with self-standing structures, demonstrating the detrimental effects of the in-orbit TED impact on the RA performances, estimated to be above 3 dB losses. To this extent, a novel structural solution is proposed, based on the employ of reliable mechanical support capable to mitigate the TED. The mechanical design reorientation is contingent on the RF design reformulation. The proposed novel mechanical and RF co-design concept and methodology allows the conception of a low profile, thermo-structurally stable RA with compliant radiation patterns and high cross-polarization discrimination in the worst-case thermal load. This methodology is based on a direct optimization of nine panels faceted RA composed of advanced high-order Phoenix cells directly optimized to fulfill the contoured beam requirements and by respecting the local periodicity requirements of the layout.
Original languageEnglish
JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Contoured Beam
  • Fasteners
  • Finite element analysis
  • Geometry
  • Large Deployable Reflectarray
  • Loaded antennas
  • Optimization
  • Phoenix Cells
  • Radio frequency
  • Satellite Antenna
  • Thermal loading
  • Thermal stability
  • Thermoelastic Deformation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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