INTEGRATED STRUCTURE ELECTROMAGNETIC OPTIMIZATION OF LARGE REFLECTOR ANTENNA SYSTEMS

A novel multiparameter optimization method is developed for use with t errestrial and space reflector antenna electromechanical systems and o ther metallic and composite engineering structures. To satisfy extreme ly high design requirements, the proposed approach incorporates the ob jectives from various structural and electromagnetic (EM) performances of the system at many working/loading cases simultaneously. A finite element method is used for structural analysis. Optical ray tracing, s pline function aperture field interpolation, geometric optics aperture integration, and FFT techniques are employed to analyse the EM perfor mances of distorted reflector antennas. A systematic method is used fo r parameter profile analysis of the system. The optimization involves member size, structural geometric and material design variables. Vario us terrestrial and orbital working environments and loading cases whic h affect antenna performances can be included in the optimization mode l. The optimization of an 8 m antenna system, as an example, is discus sed and the results are given.