Multidisciplinary design optimization of sandwich-structured radomes

摘要

A multidisciplinary design optimization framework is proposed for sandwich-structured radomes. Radomes ensure the functional operation of antenna systems in adverse environment catering for aerodynamic stresses and payload requirements. The existence of radomes can partially degrade the electromagnetic performance of antenna systems. The electromagnetic performance and mechanical responses are taken into account simultaneously in the optimization design. This is more time-saving and economical compared to the traditional separate considerations on these two aspects. Coupled with multi-island genetic algorithm, transmission coefficient and boresight error are identified as the objectives. Lateral deformation, material failure, and structural stability are included in mechanical analysis. Three-dimensional ray-tracing technique and physical optics based aperture integration method are employed to address interactions between the antenna and radome. Tsai-Wu and maximum stress criteria are used to predict material failure. Structural stability is analyzed using the linear perturbation of stiffness matrices. The applicability of the electromagnetic model is validated using examples of a hemispheric air and single-layered radome. A numerical experiment is conducted to investigate the utility and feasibility of the multidisciplinary design optimization model. Results show that the optimal section profile brings about considerable improvement in transmission coefficient and boresight error. Mechanical constrains are reasonably subjected to the preset limits. Hence, the proposed multidisciplinary design optimization model is an effective and feasible alternative in the environment of radome design.