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Experimental evaluation of shape memory alloy actuation technique in adaptive antenna design conceptsCreation of an antenna system that could autonomously adapt contours of reflecting surfaces to compensate for structural loads induced by a variable environment would maximize performance of space-based communication systems. Design of such a system requires the comprehensive development and integration of advanced actuator, sensor, and control technologies. As an initial step in this process, a test has been performed to assess the use of a shape memory alloy as a potential actuation technique. For this test, an existing, offset, cassegrain antenna system was retrofit with a subreflector equipped with shape memory alloy actuators for surface contour control. The impacts that the actuators had on both the subreflector contour and the antenna system patterns were measured. The results of this study indicate the potential for using shape memory alloy actuation techniques to adaptively control antenna performance; both variations in gain and beam steering capabilities were demonstrated. Future development effort is required to evolve this potential into a useful technology for satellite applications.
Document ID
19950006483
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Kefauver, W. Neill (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Carpenter, Bernie F. (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publisher: NASA
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-194983
NAS 1.26:194983
Accession Number
95N12896
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 233-01-03-22
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-18455
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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