Researchers on the Johns Hopkins Utilized Physics Laboratory (APL) have launched an antenna that adjustments form in response to temperature. Utilizing cutting-edge additive manufacturing methods and form reminiscence alloys (SMAs), the group has developed a know-how with transformative potential throughout navy, business, and scientific purposes.
The revolutionary design, detailed in a latest publication in ACS Utilized Engineering Supplies and featured in an upcoming print challenge, permits the antenna to dynamically alter its form, enabling operation throughout a number of radio-frequency (RF) bands. This adaptability might change the necessity for a number of mounted antennas, providing new ranges of operational flexibility.
RF Communication with Form Reminiscence Alloys
Conventional antennas are restricted by their mounted shapes, which dictate their working parameters. A shape-shifting antenna opens prospects for dynamic RF communications, together with:
- • Working throughout numerous frequency bands with a single antenna.
- • Switching between short- and long-range communications by adjusting beamwidth.
- • Adapting in actual time to spectrum availability for better agility.
The breakthrough leverages nitinol, a form reminiscence alloy of nickel and titanium, which returns to a “remembered” form when heated. Whereas generally utilized in medical gadgets and aerospace actuators, nitinol’s use in additive manufacturing has posed important challenges resulting from its want for in depth mechanical processing to attain the form reminiscence impact.
From Idea to Breakthrough
The undertaking started in 2019 when electrical engineer Jennifer Hollenbeck, impressed by the shape-shifting know-how in The Expanse collection, sought to create a extra versatile antenna. Collaborating with Steven Storck, APL’s chief scientist for additive manufacturing, the group launched into a multi-year effort to beat the constraints of 3D printing nitinol.
Preliminary makes an attempt to create a shape-shifting antenna confronted challenges, together with rigidity and problem in growth. Nonetheless, with funding from APL’s inner Propulsion Grant, the group refined the design, attaining a two-way form reminiscence impact, the place the antenna transitions between a flat spiral disk when cool and a cone spiral when heated.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
Creating the shape-shifting antenna required fixing a number of technical obstacles:
- 1. Heating Mechanism:
The group needed to design an influence line able to heating the antenna with out compromising RF properties or structural integrity. RF engineer Michael Sherburne led the event of a novel energy line to ship enough present for this objective. - 2. Additive Manufacturing of Nitinol:
Printing nitinol offered distinctive challenges, as the fabric’s form reminiscence properties triggered it to deform throughout the printing course of. Additive manufacturing engineers Samuel Gonzalez and Mary Daffron spent weeks optimizing the processing parameters to attain constant outcomes. - 3. Materials Composition:
By modifying the ratio of nickel to titanium, the group enhanced the two-way form reminiscence impact, enabling the antenna to change between shapes at particular temperatures.
Broad-Ranging Functions and Future Plans
The form-shifting antenna holds potential throughout numerous fields:
- • Navy Operations: Permits particular operators to adapt to dynamic communication wants within the area.
- • Telecommunications: Helps cellular community adaptability and expanded protection.
- • House Exploration: Gives light-weight, adaptive options for deep-space missions.
APL is pursuing patents for the shape-adaptive antenna, the revolutionary energy line, and related management strategies. Moreover, the group goals to increase the know-how to completely different SMA supplies and optimize manufacturing for broader use throughout additive manufacturing programs.
Innovation in Motion
“The form-shifting antenna functionality demonstrated by this APL group will likely be a game-changing enabler for a lot of purposes requiring RF adaptability in a compact configuration,” stated APL Chief Engineer Conrad Grant.
This achievement underscores the ability of multidisciplinary collaboration at APL, setting the stage for developments that might reshape communication applied sciences throughout industries.
Supply: jhuapl.edu