Wave transmittance performance prediction of curved radome prefabricated with continuous fibers plain weave fabric

Abstract The plain weave fabric made of special fibers was characterized by low density, lightness, ease of co‐planarity, and strong designability, widely used in the production of radar covers, stealth fighter skin, and shielding walls, among other complex electromagnetic shielding components. However, high‐performance fibers, influenced by weaving processes and the interlacing patterns of yarns, possess significant flexibility. Under external loads, fibers are prone to relative slippage, leading to uncertain geometric distortions. Furthermore, changes in their electromagnetic wave transmission properties make it difficult to accurately predict the electromagnetic performance of fiber radar covers. This study primarily focuses on the macro deformation behavior of plain weave fabrics, establishes the geometric mapping relationship for covering curved surface radar covers using plain weave fabrics, and ultimately develops a predictive model for the electromagnetic wave transmittance performance of plain weave fabrics. The research examines the impact of macro and micro geometric structural parameters of plain weave fabrics on electromagnetic wave transmission properties, ultimately enabling quantitative analysis of the electromagnetic wave transmission properties of woven radar covers. The conclusions indicated that changes in the plain weave fabric's pitch directly affect the fiber volume fraction, thereby affecting the transmittance. The greater the shear deformation of plain weave fabric laid on a curved surface, the thicker the fabric and the higher the fiber volume fraction. At the higher curvature ends of curved surfaces, the transmittance was lower than at the lower curvature base. Highlights Explained the deformation behavior of plain weave fabric. A wave transmission model for radome made of plain weave fabric was established. The influence mechanism of fabric deformation on wave transmission was revealed.