Date of Award

3-22-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Anthony N. Palazotto, PhD.

Abstract

This study will establish a methodology to examine samples of composite material for application in a load bearing waveguide. The composite material will operate in a specific frequency range for applications in small RPAs. A graphite epoxy stiffening component will be primarily considered. Different nickel, graphene, and carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings and films will be applied to the graphite epoxy. Tests will determine the material's radio frequency (RF) performance for application as an antenna/waveguide component. The study will use scattering (S) parameters determined from a network analyzer to collect these data. The S parameters will then be used to resolve the composites permittivity and reflectivity and allow an estimation of a full scale waveguides performance made from pretested composite material.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-12-M01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA558475

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