Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Enhanced Composite Structures

Leveraging the team"s expertise in conformal load-bearing antenna structures (CLAS) technology, nano-materials, and CNT fabrication, the overall objective of our program effort is to develop CLAS antenna designs with CNT antenna elements which demonstrate significantly improved system level performance in comparison to CLAS designs which use conventional materials such as copper for the antenna element. Specific Phase I objectives include demonstration and quantification of structural and antenna performance by modeling and testing of coupon and proof-of-concept CLAS antenna articles for a selected candidate antenna concept. While several candidate antenna designs will be studied, our point of departure design is an anti-jam GPS conformal array antenna. In a potential Phase II effort, we will optimize and mature the design by developing a complete functional antenna system (which will include antenna feeds, supporting electronics, etc.) and conduct structural and anechoic chamber tests on multiple articles. At the end of Phase I, we expect to achieve a TRL = 4; in Phase II, we will increase the TRL to 6 or higher. The technology developed under this program will result in CLAS designs with improved antenna as well as structural performance. Potential applications include UAVs, satellites as well as ground vehicles. BENEFIT: Expected benefits from this SBIR include: Development of novel CNT fabrication processes with unprecedented structural and electrical properties of resulting arrays, achieved by minimizing entanglement, increasing packing density, and increasing number of contact points due to the weave properties of ribbons. Improved CNT CLAS antennas which have increased band-width and radiation pattern in comparison to conventional designs. Antenna designs which do not compromise structural integrity, and potential provide increased strength and stiffness. Antenna elements which have increased fatigue life compared to copper or other metallic elements. CNT CLAS antennas which are more efficient for integration in high performance aircraft. We expect to achieve a TRL of 4 at the end of Phase I and TRL of 6 at the end of Phase II. Potential applications include UAVs, satellites, as well as ground vehicles.