Ballistic Radome with Impedance-Matched Ceramic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic scanned array (ESA) sensors used in combat settings are vulnerable to gunfire and fragmentation armaments, which can disable them, and there is a need for a radome cover that provides ballistic protection while maintaining low transmission loss for electromagnetic signals and preventing water vapor permeation.
Innovation Solution
A radome cover comprising two ceramic ballistic layers sandwiched between impedance-matched layers, which dissipates kinetic energy from ballistic objects and allows electromagnetic signal propagation, while also providing a low permeation path for water vapor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a radome cover is made with thick ballistic protective layers, then ballistic protection capability is improved, but transmission loss for electromagnetic signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radome cover employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers including ceramic ballistic layers, polymer layers, and impedance matching layers. This composite material approach allows the structure to provide ballistic protection while maintaining electromagnetic signal transmission by combining materials with complementary properties: ceramics for ballistic resistance and polymers with controlled dielectric properties for RF transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the radome cover have locally optimized properties tailored to their specific functions. The ceramic layers are optimized for ballistic protection, the polymer layers for flexibility and additional protection, and the impedance matching layers specifically for minimizing electromagnetic reflection and maximizing signal transmission. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by ensuring each layer contributes to one function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If a radome cover is made with thick ballistic protective layers, then ballistic protection capability is improved, but the weight of the radome cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials, particularly lightweight polymers combined with ceramic layers, provides ballistic protection with reduced weight compared to traditional solid ceramic or metal armor. The polymer-ceramic composite structure achieves the required protection level while maintaining lower overall density and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The radome cover is segmented into multiple thin layers rather than a single thick layer. This segmentation includes alternating ceramic and polymer layers, where each thin layer contributes to the overall ballistic protection through a cumulative effect, reducing the need for excessive thickness and thereby reducing weight.
3Loss of energy
If a radome cover uses multiple impedance matching layers, then transmission loss for electromagnetic signals is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer layers in the radome cover serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, contribute to ballistic protection, and act as impedance matching layers for electromagnetic signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated impedance matching layers, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining low transmission loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching function is merged with the structural and protective functions of the polymer layers. Rather than adding separate impedance matching layers on top of the ballistic protective structure, the impedance matching capability is integrated into the existing polymer layers, reducing overall structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The radome cover effectively protects ESA sensors from multiple ballistic hits and maintains minimal transmission loss for electromagnetic signals, ensuring the sensors remain operational and preventing damage from water vapor ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The two ballistic layers are sandwiched between at least two matching layers, and the matching layers are impedance matched to the ceramic layers. The radome cover provides ballistic protection for the RF sensor by dissipating kinetic energy of moving objects
Implementation Method 2
The radome cover provides ballistic protection for the RF sensor while maintaining minimal transmission loss for electromagnetic signals
Implementation Method 3
Other technical advantages of other embodiments may include the capability to provide a radome cover that has a low permeation path for water vapor to protect non-hermetic electronics
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, a radome cover for an RF sensor has been provided. The radome cover comprises a first and a second ballistic layer, each ballistic layer having a ceramic layer. The two ballistic layers are sandwiched between at least two matching layers, and the matching layers are impedance matched to the ceramic layers. The radome cover provides ballistic protection for the RF sensor.