3‐D woven rectangular hollow structure conformal bearing microstrip antenna with different heights: Design, preparation, performance, and simulation

Abstract Traditional microstrip antennas have problems with heavy weight and poor gain. In order to reduce the weight of the antenna itself and improve its gain, the preforms of the 3‐D woven rectangular hollow structure conformal bearing microstrip antenna (3DWRHS‐CB‐MA)with different heights were woven from ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filament yarns and copper wires on a common loom through reasonable design. The preform was used as the reinforcement and epoxy resin was used as the matrix, four different heights (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm) of 3DWRHS‐CB‐MA were prepared by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Finally, the electromagnetic performance was analyzed by high‐frequency structure simulator (HFSS) and experimental testing. The results showed that the frequency deviation of the 2 mm height microstrip antenna was minimal; while the 4 mm height microstrip antenna had better gain efficiency and directional diagram compared to others. The 4 mm height microstrip antenna has good radiation performance with a weight of only 35 g which shows that 3DWRHS‐CB‐MA are potential candidates for future intelligent textile materials and wireless communication fields. Highlights Weaving with UHMWPE filament yarns and copper wires on common looms. The preform was used as the reinforcement, and epoxy resin was used as the matrix. Simulation of electromagnetic characteristics of antennas using HFSS software. Proving the effectiveness of the electromagnetic simulation model. Revealing the electromagnetic radiation mechanisms.