학술논문

Evolutionary Optimized 3D WiFi Antennas Manufactured via Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Document Type
Periodical
Source
IEEE Access Access, IEEE. 11:121914-121923 2023
Subject
Aerospace
Bioengineering
Communication, Networking and Broadcast Technologies
Components, Circuits, Devices and Systems
Computing and Processing
Engineered Materials, Dielectrics and Plasmas
Engineering Profession
Fields, Waves and Electromagnetics
General Topics for Engineers
Geoscience
Nuclear Engineering
Photonics and Electrooptics
Power, Energy and Industry Applications
Robotics and Control Systems
Signal Processing and Analysis
Transportation
Antennas
Genetic algorithms
Optimization
Statistics
Sociology
Antenna measurements
Matlab
genetic algorithms
laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)
additive manufacturing (AM)
Language
ISSN
2169-3536
Abstract
The swift and automated design of antennas remains a challenging aspect in research due to the specific design needs for individual applications. Alterations in resonance frequency or boundary conditions necessitate time-consuming re-designs. Though the application of evolutionary optimization and generative methods in general to antenna design has seen success, it has been mostly restricted to two-dimensional structures. In this work, we present an approach for designing three-dimensional antennas using a genetic algorithm coupled with a region-growing algorithm - to ensure manufacturability - implemented in Matlab manufactured via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). As a simulation tool for optimization CST is used. The antenna has been optimized in a completely automated manner and was produced using the metal 3D printing technology LPBF and aluminium based AlSi10Mg powder. The presented concept, which builds upon previous two-dimensional techniques, allows for significant flexibility in design, adapting to changing boundary conditions, and avoiding the geometric restrictions seen in prior methods. The optimized antenna has a size of $3.01 \text {cm} \times 3.43 \text {cm} \times 1.67 \text {cm}$ and was measured in an anechoic chamber. According to measurements a minimum reflection coefficient of $\mathrm {-19.95\,\, \text {dB}}$ at $\mathrm {2.462~ \text {G} \text { Hz} }$ and a bandwidth of $\mathrm {308.8~ \text {M} \text { Hz} }$ are observed. CST simulation results predict an efficiency of $\mathrm {98.91~\%}$ and the maximum antenna gain is measured at $\mathrm {2.45~ \text {G} \text { Hz} }$ to be $\mathrm {3.27~ \text {dB} i}$ . Simulations made with CST and Ansys HFSS and measurements are in excellent agreement with a deviation of the resonance frequency of only $\mathrm {0.13~\%}$ , thus further establishing genetic algorithms as a highly viable option for the design of novel antenna structures.