Integrated structure electromagnetic optimization of large reflector antenna systems

A novel multiparameter optimization method is developed for use with terrestrial and space reflector antenna electromechanical systems and other metallic and composite engineering structures. To satisfy extremely high design requirements, the proposed approach incorporates the objectives from various structural and electromagnetic (EM) performances of the system at many working/loading cases simultaneously. A finite element method is used for structural analysis. Optical ray tracing, spline function aperture field interpolation, geometric optics aperture integration, and FFT techniques are employed to analyse the EM performances of distorted reflector antennas. A systematic method is used for parameter profile analysis of the system. The optimization involves member size, structural geometric and material design variables. Various terrestrial and orbital working environments and loading cases which affect antenna performances can be included in the optimization model. The optimization of an 8 m antenna system, as an example, is discussed and the results are given.