Characterization of Flat Radomes for (18 to 45) GHz High-Power Horn Antennas

A combined computational and experimental study of flat radome materials for their use with high-power horn antennas operating over 18–45 GHz range is performed. The impact of a monolithic, thin-wall radome on antenna performance in the thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic domains is considered. The structure must thermally handle high continuous wave power as well as mechanically withstand the impact of pressurization while preserving the electrical performance of a radome-less configuration. A simple test set for measuring radome deflection under high pressure is also discussed. Studies with available materials are conducted, and it is found that the
$76~\mu \text{m}$
thick Teflon coated fiberglass has the best performance balance in all domains. Other nonporous materials with comparable electrical and mechanical parameters will have similar behavior.