N092-131 TITLE: Modeling Electromagnetic Propagation Through Novel Materials and Configurations

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: CGX Program Office, PMS 502,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative methodology and associated algorithms to provide rigorous analytic capabilities for the prediction of electromagnetic (RF) energy propagation through novel material configurations.

DESCRIPTION: Current computational electromagnetic modeling and simulation toolsets can only analyze the design attributes of planar homogeneous conductive surfaces, such as plates of steel. As a consequence, developers are forced into a design-test-build loop to accurately take into account the effects of electromagnetic propagation. The Validated Integrated Physics-based Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation (VIPER) and Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environments (CREATE) toolsets are examples of current efforts to address this gap in modeling capability. The VIPER material modeling tool assumes an infinite surface in x and y, when what is needed is to be able to model finite edges to take into account electromagnetic propagation behavior at the edges of materials. The VIPER tool also assumes propagation at a 90 degree angle of incidence normal to the material, when in reality oblique angels of incidence are commonplace and less understood (this also includes situations where RF energy enters the material through the edges rather than the face). Additionally, VIPER does not address the EM behavior related to the joining of dissimilar materials. These prediction deficits tend to drive design solutions to an extreme (extreme reliance on structural shadowing) as opposed to an optimized integrated solution of structural geometry, material selection, physical location and system operation. CREATE is a larger scoped design tool development effort into which successful technologies resulting from this topic might be integrated.

Future naval surface combatants will make extensive use of novel, advanced materials in their topside structures, including layered composite masts and deckhouses, advanced frequency selective surfaces (FSS), and appliqués such as radar absorbing materials (RAM). A significant challenge exists in the electromagnetic performance predictions of edges, corners and curves as well as the interfaces of dissimilar materials. This topic seeks an advanced , innovative approach to assess propagation of RF energy through or across various types of materials, including predicting EM behavior at edges, corners, curves, across many layers of dissimilar materials, and with RF incidence at oblique angles. The approach must be able to ingest near-field surface currents calculated for radiating antennas and perform computations predicting propagation. Concepts also need to be able to utilize any combination of user-generated permeability and permitivity numbers to allow for customization of the material system. The software tool developed to implement this technology, must have a user-friendly graphical user interface and must be capable of importing structure geometry from IGES and STEP formats for use in analyses.

Representative and relational data will be provided for this project. All information provided and generated as a result of this effort will be unclassified.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of a new, innovative approach to be used to assess propagation of RF energy through or across various types of materials, including edges, corners, curves, layers of dissimilar materials, and RF incidence at oblique angles. The approach will be able to ingest near-field surface currents calculated for radiating antennas and perform computations predicting propagation. Establish performance goals of the approach and software tool. Provide a Phase II development approach and schedule that contains discrete milestones for product development.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and fabricate a prototype as identified in Phase I. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype meets the performance goals established in Phase I. Perform documented, detailed verification and validation studies to assess the accuracy, speed, and repeatability of predicted electromagnetic behavior Develop a cost benefit analysis and a Phase III installation, testing, and validation plan.

PHASE III: Working with government and industry, prepare user-friendly packages for use by analysts in military, government, and civilian work environments. Continue to conduct validation testing as appropriate.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This assessment tool will benefit any sector requiring analysis of electromagnetic propagation through materials. Private sector users could include defense contractors, mobile device manufacturers, computer manufacturers, antenna designers, radome designers and many others.

REFERENCES:
1. Volakis, John C. "Radomes, Materials and Design Data, Frequency Selective Surfaces". Antenna Engineering Handbook, 4th ed. Pp. 53-1 � 56-25. McGraw Hill Publishing, 2007.

2. Huan-Ke Chin; Hsiao-Chang Chu; Chun Hsiung Chen. "Propagation modeling of periodic laminated composite structures". Electromagnetic Compatibility, IEEE Transactions on. Volume 40, Issue 3, Aug. 1998 Page(s):218 � 224

3. Post, D. E. et al. "A New DoD Initiative: the Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environments (CREATE) Program". Journal of Physics: Conference Series 125, 2008.

4. NRL Radar Division Code 5314 � Electromagnetics Section, http://radar-www.nrl.navy.mil/5314/

KEYWORDS: electromagnetic; materials; EM propagation;modeling and simulation; VIPER; CREATE;

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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