Conformal antenna modeling method suitable for non-deployable curved surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a conformal antenna modeling method suitable for a non-deployable curved surface, and the method comprises the steps: 1, preprocessing a curved surface model: planning the transverse and longitudinal directions of a to-be-arranged unit array on the curved surface according to the design requirements, and building a coordinate system; 2, arranging unit center points: obtaining initial rows and columns of the array according to the initial point position of the given antenna array and the arc length spacing of the array units in the transverse and longitudinal directions, and then recursively generating the whole array; 3, modeling a boundary skeleton of each layer: shifting the curved surface and the lattice array given in the steps 1 and 2 to the position of each layer to obtain a skeleton model containing the modeling boundary of each layer; 4, conformal modeling of each functional layer: generating an array based on reference features and design parameters through modeling software; and 5, assembling and checking: assembling the functional layer models in the skeleton to obtain the conformal antenna model. According to the method, each structural element of the antenna can be precisely conformal with any non-deployable complex curved surface, and the modeling requirement of the high-performance conformal antenna is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of radar array structure, and in particular to a conformal antenna modeling method adapted to a non-developable surface. Background Art

[0002] Conformal antennas are antennas that are mounted on the surface of aircraft, missiles, airships and other platforms and have the same shape as the surface of the mounting location. Compared with traditional planar antennas, conformal antennas have unique advantages: reducing the impact of the antenna on the aerodynamic characteristics of the platform on which it is mounted; reducing the radar cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting platform and improving stealth capabilities; expanding the antenna caliber and improving radar power, etc.

[0003] Conformal antennas have become a key area for the development of lightweight and integrated radars, and the establishment of a complete and accurate geometric model is the basis for the structural and electromagnetic design, simulation, and manufacturing of antennas. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct systematic research on conformal antenna geometric modeling methods to form an efficient antenna modeling method that can accurately conform to any surface. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the technical problem of efficiently constructing an antenna model that is conformally distributed with any mounting surface, the present invention provides a conformal antenna modeling method that is adaptable to non-developable surfaces.

[0005] The specific content of the present invention is as follows: A conformal antenna modeling method adapted to a non-developable surface comprises the following steps: Step 1, surface model preprocessing: given any non-developable surface, according to the design requirements, plan the horizontal and vertical directions of the planned unit array on the surface, and establish the coordinate system Oxyz; Step 2, arranging the unit center point: according to the design requirements, the initial point position of the antenna array, the arc length spacing dx and dy of the array unit in the horizontal and vertical directions are given, the initial rows and columns of the array are obtained, and then the entire array is recursively generated; Step 3: Skeleton modeling of each layer boundary: The conformal antenna includes multiple functional layers. According to the design requirements, the surface and point array given in steps 1 and 2 are offset to the location of each layer to obtain a skeleton model including the modeling boundary of each layer. Step 4, conformal modeling of each functional layer: the reference features of each functional layer of the conformal antenna are given by the boundary skeleton in step 3, and the modeling parameters are given according to the design requirements. The array is generated based on the reference features and design parameters through the modeling software; Step 5, assembly and verification: The functional layer models established in steps 3 and 4 are automatically assembled in the skeleton, and then checked and corrected. After confirmation, the designed conformal antenna model is obtained.

[0006] Furthermore, in step 2, adjacent functional units in the antenna array satisfy equal arc length distribution, that is, the shortest path lengths between the centers of adjacent functional units in the horizontal or vertical directions on the surface are equal, and the arc length spacings between adjacent points in the horizontal direction are dx, and the arc length spacings between adjacent points in the vertical direction are dy.

[0007] Furthermore, in step 3, the given surface is offset as designed, and the points on the surface are transferred along the normal direction to the offset surface to obtain the modeling boundaries of each functional layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the modeling software is redeveloped to realize automatic generation of array patterns based on reference features and design parameters.

[0009] Furthermore, in step 4, for the functional layers that are interconnected, models of each layer that are electrically interconnected are established in sequence along the signal flow direction, and the current layer model is established with the signal input point as a reference. The signal output points of each unit in the current layer are transmitted to the next modeling layer along the normal direction and used as new modeling reference points. The cycle is repeated in sequence to ultimately ensure that the positions that require electrical interconnection between the functional layers are accurately aligned.

[0010] Furthermore, in step 5, the position, thickness, conformality, and alignment of each layer are checked and corrected.

[0011] The present invention can achieve precise conformality of the antenna's structural elements with any non-developable complex surface, equal arc length distribution of adjacent functional units in the antenna array, accurate alignment of interconnection points and vias between functional units of each layer, and efficient and automated large-scale modeling, etc., and can meet the modeling needs of high-performance conformal antennas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The specific implementation of the present invention will be further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 The schematic diagram is a principle block diagram of an antenna modeling method adapted to a non-developable surface according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an image of the modeling target surface given in the example of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an image of a point array arranged in a medium arc length in an example of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 These are images of the boundary skeleton models of each layer in the example of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a model image of two functional layers in an example of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an image of a five-layer unit model containing vias in an example of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an image of a conformal antenna model assembled in an example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Combination Figure 1 The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces of the present invention comprises the following steps: (1) Surface model preprocessing. Given any non-developable complex surface (such as a part of the platform shape of an aircraft, missile, airship, etc.), this surface is generally the upper surface of the entire conformal antenna model; according to the design requirements, determine the coordinate system Oxyz on the surface, for example, make x roughly along the horizontal direction of the antenna array to be arranged, y roughly along the vertical direction, and z roughly perpendicular to the antenna surface; for each determined coordinate system, a model that meets the requirements can be successfully established according to this method. In the present invention, the curvature can be a complex non-developable surface with large curvature in both directions.

[0021] (2) Arrange the center points of the units with equal arc lengths. According to the design requirements, the initial point position of the antenna array and the arc length spacing dx and dy of the array units in the horizontal and vertical directions are given. Based on the initial point, the points are arranged with equal arc lengths in the horizontal and vertical directions to obtain the initial rows and columns of the array. Then, the entire array is recursively generated to ensure that the arc length spacing between adjacent points in the horizontal direction is dx and the arc length spacing between adjacent points in the vertical direction is dy.

[0022] The adjacent functional units in the antenna array meet the equal arc length distribution, that is, the shortest path lengths of the centers of adjacent functional units on the surface are equal. The equal arc length point distribution algorithm can achieve equal arc length point distribution on non-developable surfaces with a format of not less than 500 mm × 500 mm, and the point distribution operation time does not exceed 1800s under the requirements that the number of points is not less than 2500 and the maximum arc length error is not greater than 0.01mm.

[0023] (3) Skeleton modeling of each layer boundary. Conformal antennas are generally composed of multiple functional layers. According to the design requirements, the surfaces and point arrays given in (1) and (2) are offset to the locations of each layer to obtain a skeleton model containing the modeling boundaries of each layer. Specifically, the given surface is offset according to the design, and the points on the surface are transferred to the offset surface along the normal direction.

[0024] (4) Conformal modeling of each functional layer. The functional layers of the conformal antenna include discrete metal layers composed of periodic units, continuous metal layers with periodic holes, dielectric layers with interconnected holes, etc. The modeling reference features of each layer are given by the boundary skeleton in (3), and the modeling parameters are given according to the design requirements. Through secondary development of the modeling software, the automatic generation of the array based on the reference features and design parameters is realized; the modeling order between the interconnected functional layers should be paid attention to, and the modeling should be carried out in sequence along the direction of signal flow, that is, the current layer model is established with the signal input point as the reference point, and then the signal output point of this layer is transferred to the next layer through the via and used as the new modeling reference point.

[0025] (5) Assembly and verification. The functional layer models established in (3) and (4) are automatically assembled in the skeleton, and the position, thickness, conformality, alignment, etc. of each layer are checked and corrected. After confirmation, the designed conformal antenna model is obtained.

[0026] The modeling method of the present application is further described below with reference to an example.

[0027] Take a non-deployable wing surface as an example, Figure 2 As shown, it is required to build an antenna conforming to it, roughly plan the horizontal and vertical directions of the planned unit array, and establish a coordinate system Oxyz.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, given the arc length spacing Δx and Δy of the array units in the horizontal and vertical directions, a point array with equal arc lengths is conformally arranged on the curved surface as the center point of each unit in the antenna array.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the initial boundary is offset according to the design to obtain the modeling reference boundary surface of each function, and the normal line at each center point is intersected with each surface to obtain the reference point for modeling each array unit.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, conformal modeling of each functional layer is performed. Taking a two-layer functional layer as an example, the modeling software is redeveloped according to the boundary skeleton in (3) and the given rectangular pattern modeling parameters to automatically generate each unit array.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, functional layers with interconnected relationships are established. Taking a unit area of ​​a five-layer functional layer (lower shielding hole, lower pattern, signal via, upper pattern and upper shielding layer) as an example, the signal flows from the lower layer and flows along the lower metal pattern, enters the upper metal pattern through the via, and flows to the signal output. In the modeling, each layer is established in turn to ensure precise alignment of each position.

[0032] like Figure 7As shown, the above-established components are automatically assembled in the skeleton, and the position, thickness, conformality, alignment, etc. of each layer are checked and corrected. After confirmation, a conformal antenna model is obtained.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: accurate conformal modeling of various antenna structural elements and arbitrary non-developable surfaces can be achieved; adjacent functional units in the antenna array can achieve equal arc length distribution, improving the electrical performance of the array antenna; parameterized automatic model generation improves modeling efficiency; interconnection points and vias between functional units of each layer are accurately aligned, improving electrical interconnection reliability, and providing a set of efficient modeling methods for the modeling of common antennas.

[0034] Many specific details are described in the above description to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, so the present invention is not limited to the specific implementation disclosed above. At the same time, any person familiar with the art can make many possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, or modify it into an equivalent embodiment of equivalent changes. Any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces, characterized in that: The steps include: Step 1, surface model preprocessing: given any non-developable surface, according to the design requirements, plan the horizontal and vertical directions of the planned unit array on the surface, and establish the coordinate system Oxyz; Step 2, arranging the unit center point: according to the design requirements, the initial point position of the antenna array, the arc length spacing dx and dy of the array unit in the horizontal and vertical directions are given, the initial rows and columns of the array are obtained, and then the entire array is recursively generated; Step 3: Skeleton modeling of each layer boundary: The conformal antenna includes multiple functional layers. According to the design requirements, the surface and point array given in steps 1 and 2 are offset to the location of each layer to obtain a skeleton model including the modeling boundary of each layer. Step 4, conformal modeling of each functional layer: the reference features of each functional layer of the conformal antenna are given by the boundary skeleton in step 3, and the modeling parameters are given according to the design requirements. The array is generated based on the reference features and design parameters through the modeling software; Step 5, assembly and verification: The functional layer models established in steps 3 and 4 are automatically assembled in the skeleton, and then checked and corrected. After confirmation, the designed conformal antenna model is obtained.

2. The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 2, adjacent functional units in the antenna array satisfy equal arc length distribution, that is, the shortest path lengths between the centers of adjacent functional units in the horizontal or vertical direction on the surface are equal, the arc length spacings between adjacent points in the horizontal direction are dx, and the arc length spacings between adjacent points in the vertical direction are dy.

3. The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 3, the given surface is offset as designed, and the points on the surface are transferred to the offset surface along the normal direction to obtain the modeling boundaries of each functional layer.

4. The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modeling software is redeveloped to realize the automatic generation of array patterns based on reference features and design parameters.

5. The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 4, for the functional layers that are interconnected, the models of each layer that are electrically interconnected are established in sequence along the signal flow direction, and the current layer model is established with the signal input point as a reference. The signal output points of each unit in the current layer are transmitted to the next modeling layer along the normal direction and used as new modeling reference points. The cycle is repeated in sequence to ensure that the positions that require electrical interconnection between the functional layers are accurately aligned.

6. The conformal antenna modeling method adapted to non-developable surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 5, the position, thickness, conformality, and alignment of each layer are checked and corrected.

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