Hydrophobic/Non-Delaminating Radome Material

Radomes provide environmental protection for radar antennas. Materials for Radome construction must exhibit certain characteristics such as resistance to environmental factors, structural strength, radar transparency, and lightweight. A common construction technique utilizes composite sandwich panel elements which can provide exceptional structural strength with low weight and optimal RF transmission properties. Traditional sandwich panel designs often delaminate under stress whereby, the structural skins separate from the core material, thus significantly lowering the load bearing capabilities of the sandwich panel. Ebert Composites Corporation has developed a 3D fiber insertion technique that produces sandwich panel that is highly resistant to delamination. The purpose of the Phase I project will be to investigate various 3D sandwich panel configurations for use as a radome structural material and to test the effects of the 3D fiber on the transmission loss at typical radar frequencies. Additionally, research will be conducted on various treatments that can be applied to the sandwich panels to provide superior hydrophobic characteristics, remain compatible with the panel material, and maintain appropriate RF properties.