WebExpert Trainer from IDEF 3 (WET-IDEF3)

Not Available An innovative lightweight antenna enclosure for ground-based radar system operation at 240 K is proposed. The research offers solutions to improved antenna performance, enhanced thermal cooling, control of ice formation and reduced enclosure mass. The advanced T/R enclosure design uniquely integrates a lightweight resin matrix composite material and high thermal conductivity aluminum cold plate. The enclosure mass will be reduced by 20-30% from an all-metal design. The integrally cooled aluminum cold plate will be thermally tailored to match the local heat flux of the cooled T/R modules and electronic components operating at 240 K. The enclosure design will address the potential of ice formation on the enclosure exterior. The 240 K operation improves the efficiency and rf radar power output of the antenna, which reduces the number of antenna modules, the overall system mass and volume and the prime power requirements. The research incorporates micro-channel cooling to achieve high heat transfer coefficients and high heat transfer surface area and incorporates tailored composite material thermal conductivities to address issues of ice formation. These features are integrated within a lightweight hybrid composite/metal enclosure that houses the T/R modules and electronics