Electromagnetic Redirection thru Material Manipulation

Abstract

This paper will be a continuation of the work presented last year at the 2006 IEEE Aerospace Conference in a paper titled," Electromagnetic Study of Multilayer Media", Joel P. Booth. This paper will discuss the process of a basic electromagnetic analysis for a multilayer material. This discussion will include computer simulations, real world situations and graduate studies. The relationships between different materials and their effects on electromagnetic energy will be explored. This effort is being conducted in the RF Technology Division of the Applied Sensors, Guidance, and Electronics Directorate of the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. This paper will explore using material properties and geometric configurations to redirect electromagnetic energy as a means create a low-cost, low-loss radome material (or radome design) to extend the current range of both gimbaled and electronically-steered phased arrays. At the present time, most missile seekers are restricted to 60deg in azimuth and elevation due to (1) mechanical limitations of the gimbal and also to (2) limitations of electronically steerable systems due to the phase shifter elements of the system creating large sidelobes at large angles. The concept is to extend steering range without the addition of mechanical means or more intensive processing while not impeding the function of multimode configurations. The data obtained from this effort will be used in the selection of new missile seeker system parameters. The effects of the research could drive cost, manufacturing, and new design concepts. The results could also effect the combination of modes in radar design to achieve the mission. The goal of this research is to develop and investigate a concept that is low-cost, low-loss, easy to manufacture, and novel in design.