Impact Analysis of Facet Gaps in X-band Origami based Deployable Reflectarray Antenna

This paper presents the X-band 1.2 m dia deployable origami-based prime focal reflectarray antenna and its study for various facet gaps. The phase-correcting surface has been populated with criss-cross-type subwavelength-based unit cells. The surface has been segmented as per the spiral z-fold and monolithic gores-based origami pattern. The stowing and deployment of the segmented flat surface are detailed in the manuscript and discussed concerning the mechanical constraints to maintain the facet gaps, which accommodates the thick layer stack up of the unit cell and conveys the deployment motion. The RFA with various facet gaps is modeled and analyzed to perform the impact analysis of the facet gap on the secondary performance. It is shown that a 4 mm facet gap results in a 36.72 dBi gain at 9.6 GHz, whereas a 10 mm facet gap offers a 35.80 dBi gain. The significant gain loss is observed with the variation of facet gap and is explained by the reduction in the percent effective aperture area.