Material selection, manufacturing plan, and joining technologies for a radar altimeter antenna

Abstract

This study focuses on the material selection, manufacturing methods and connection methods of radar antenna, and uses three main methods: interview, literature research and simulation. First, six candidate materials were selected, and ten key performance factors were evaluated through ANSYS simulation and calculation, including gravity acceleration tolerance, thermal radiation adaptability, natural frequency, harmonic response characteristics, hydrogen corrosion resistance, radiation resistance, linear expansion coefficient, corrosion resistance, impedance matching ability and thermal fatigue resistance. Ti-6Al-4v annealed was finally determined as the optimal material based on the competition index calculation. Subsequently, the material was milling and drilled by MASTERCAM to optimize the manufacturing process to ensure machining accuracy and production efficiency. In addition, in the study of connection methods, ANSYS simulation is used to analyze different connection methods, and laser welding, diffusion welding and screw connection are finally selected as the optimal methods to improve structural stability, electromagnetic compatibility and long-term use reliability.