Embedded Self-repairing Antenna Composite (ESAC)

The goal of the proposed research is to develop self-healing embedded communication antennas to be used in transparent armori.e., ground vehicle windows. Embedded antennas are known to delaminate from their host structures after impact; this allows an empty space to form around the antenna and as a result detunes the antenna. A sandwich structure will be designed, fabricated, and tested whereby the antenna is embedded in a self-healing transparent armor. Upon delamination the antenna will reform its seal the armor materials. This effort will demonstrate that these near-kissing joint interfaces will heal after they have delaminated. NextGen Aeronautics will team with the University of California, Irvine to co-develop this innovate damage-resistant self-healing transparent antenna. We will deliver a self-healing antenna sandwich structure (nominally 4"x4") for eventual transition into transparent armorincluding bulletproof windows and self-repairing armor composites. We will consult with armor manufacturers to ensure full compatibility with existing bulletproof and ballistic glass laminates