Radar-Absorbing Fiber Composite for Low-Signature Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing radar signatures, such as applying additional radar-absorbing materials, increase weight and volume, are costly and inefficient, and often have limited frequency range effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A radar-absorbing fiber-plastic composite material with a plastic matrix doped with particles like carbon nanotubes or iron-containing particles, integrated into a semi-finished product and layered structure, allowing for cost-effective production of composite components with reduced radar signatures that also provide structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional radar-absorbing coatings containing iron balls are applied to reduce radar signature, then radar signature is reduced, but weight and volume of the object significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the structural function with the radar-absorbing function by integrating radar-absorbing particles directly into the load-bearing plastic matrix. This combination eliminates the need for separate heavy coating layers while maintaining both structural integrity and radar signature reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by incorporating radar-absorbing particles (such as carbon nanotubes or iron-containing particles) into a plastic matrix, creating a new material that simultaneously provides structural support and radar absorption properties without the weight penalty of conventional coatings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional radar-absorbing coatings are applied to reduce radar signature, then radar signature is reduced, but additional effort is required to ensure reliable bond between coating and structure
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the coating function with the structural material itself, the invention eliminates the bonding interface entirely. The radar-absorbing particles are embedded within the matrix during manufacturing, removing the need for separate bonding processes and associated quality control efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar-absorbing particles are incorporated into the matrix material during the manufacturing process itself, before the final component is produced. This preliminary integration ensures uniform distribution and eliminates subsequent bonding steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If foams are used as radar-absorbing materials, then radar signature is reduced, but structural integrity is compromised and volume significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material where radar-absorbing particles are dispersed within a solid plastic matrix, maintaining the structural integrity of the base material while adding radar absorption capabilities. This avoids the structural weaknesses inherent in foam-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies radar-absorbing particles locally within the matrix material where needed, rather than using bulk foam structures. This allows for targeted radar absorption while maintaining overall structural strength and minimizing volume increase.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional radar-absorbing methods are used, then radar signature is reduced in certain frequencies, but the frequency range of effectiveness is relatively narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials with different particle types (carbon nanotubes, iron-containing particles) and varying sizes creates multiple interaction mechanisms with radar waves, broadening the effective frequency range compared to conventional single-material solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies parameters such as particle size, particle material composition, and particle concentration within the matrix to optimize radar absorption across different frequency ranges, enhancing adaptability to different radar threats.
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 solution effectively reduces radar signatures across a wide frequency range while maintaining structural integrity and reducing weight and volume, offering high reliability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The matrix is doped with a plurality of particles of an additive... effectively reduces radar signatures
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a radar-absorbing fiber-reinforced plastic composite material (1; 1') comprising a matrix (2; 2') formed with a plastic material (3) and reinforcing fibers (4) embedded in the matrix. The matrix is doped with a plurality of particles (6; 6') of an additive. The particles are distributed throughout the matrix and embedded in the plastic material of the matrix. Furthermore, the invention relates to a semi-finished product (10; 10') for the production of a radar-absorbing composite component (31; 32; 33; 34) and a layer structure (20) comprising two or more layers (11, 12, 13) of such a semi-finished product arranged one above the other. The invention further relates to a composite component (31; 32; 33; 34) and an object (41; 42; 43; 44) with a reduced radar signature, as well as a method for producing a pre-impregnated semi-finished product (10; 10') and a method for producing a composite component (31; 32; 33; 34) with a reduced radar signature.