Comparative Finite Element Analysis of Radome Materials with Patch Antenna for Enhancing Electromagnetic Transparency

Abstract

Radomes serve a dual purpose: protecting antennas and guarding against circuit replication while enhancing antenna gain and directivity through specific structural characteristics. A radome, or radar dome, provides an electromagnetically visible protective enclosure for mmWave radar meters and antennas, a crucial component of radar systems. Its main objective is to maintain the fundamental waterproofness of the delicate mmWave antenna while protecting it from external factors like precipitation, wind, and daylight. Common radome materials encompass PTFE, Polycarbonate, Glass polyester, epoxies, and cyanate ester. This study focuses on utilizing PTFE and Polycarbonate at an operating frequency of 1.789 GHz, enclosing a patch antenna within the radome. The antenna, positioned on a dielectric base, assumes the ground plane and antenna are ideal electric conductors in a vacuum. The research conducts a comparative analysis, examining the two materials' electric potential distribution and far-field radiation patterns. This analysis aims to discern any performance discrepancies attributed to the radome material. Furthermore, by delving into the characteristics of PTFE and Polycarbonate, this study lays the groundwork for exploring advanced materials in radome fabrication. These endeavours promise enhanced protection and performance for antennas and stimulate innovation in radome design, potentially leading to breakthroughs in various applications requiring reliable and efficient antenna systems.