Over the past decade, a large body of research associated with the addition of microvascular networks to structural composites has been generated. The engineering goal is most often the extension of structural utility to include extended functionalities such as self-healing or improved thermal management and resilience. More recently, efforts to design reconfigurable embedded electronics via the incorporation of non-toxic liquid metals have been initiated. A wide range of planar antenna configurations are possible, and the trade-offs between structural effects, other system costs, and increased flexibility in transmitting and receiving frequencies are being explored via the structurally embedded vascular antenna (SEVA) concept. This work describes for the first time the design of a bowtie-like tunable liquid metal-based antenna for integration into a structural composite for electromagnetic use. The design of both the solid/fluid feed structure and fluid transmission lines are described and analysis results regarding the RF performance of the antenna are provided. Fabrication methods for the SEVA are explained in detail and as-fabricated components are described. Challenges associated with both fabrication and system implementation and testing are elucidated. Results from preliminary RF testing indicate that in situ response tuning is feasible in these novel multifunctional composites.
This work presents the design, theory, and measurement of a linearly polarized microstrip patch antenna with a
substrate-integrated compensation mechanism to mitigate the detuning effects from a physical deformation (e.g.,
bending and twisting). In particular, we investigate the ability of an antenna to maintain its impedance bandwidth as it
bends sharply through the center (from flat up to 90° pivoted about the ground plane). Compensation for this bending
occurs through the displacement of electromagnetically functionalized colloidal dispersions (EFCDs) in a substrate-embedded
capillary. By replacing a high permittivity EFCD with a low permittivity EFCD during bending this provides
a net length reduction to oppose the length extension (stretching) from the bending action. Stability of the 2:1 VSWR
(matched impedance) bandwidth has been examined numerically across the entire range of bending, and examined
experimentally using fixed-bend patch antennas on 4 mm thick isiocane foam substrates (one flat patch and one patch
bent to 90°) to demonstrate this concept. A deformable patch antenna fabricated on a silicone substrate with conductive
elastomers has also been examined and trends between simulated and measured results are in good agreement.
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