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ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES •
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such as a UAV tail (Air Force Contract FA8650-09-C-1620).
The technology also embeds antenna patterns within com-
posite aerostructures, representing a unique class of systems
involving conformal load bearing antennas (CLAS). Other
advanced RF devices are also fabricated by the technology,
including rectifying antennas (for wireless power transmis-
sion) and frequency selective surfaces for reconfigurable
broadband antennas. Examples of printed conductor net-
works and antenna patterns are shown in Fig. 5.
Looking forward
Structural electronics is a rapidly growing business,
driven primarily by aerospace applications, but with signifi-
cant opportunities in many other industries including power
generation, automotive, oil and gas, and electronics. The abil-
ity to print heaters, temperature/heat flux sensors, and cir-
cuitry onto conformal structures without masking and
without post-heat treatment allows for new ruggedized de-
signs and improved product performance. Direct write tech-
nology provides a cost-effective method to produce smart
structures by integrating sensors and heaters within coatings.
The technology advances state-of-the-art design in compo-
nent instrumentation, diagnostic/distributed sensing, commu-
nication, and multifunctional structures.
iTSSe
For more information:
Jeff Brogan is the CEO of MesoScribe
Technologies Inc., 100 N. Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733,
631.686.5710,
jbrogan@mesoscribe.com,
mesoscribe.com.
Fig. 5 —
Printed copper conductors and antenna patterns. Integrated wiring (left), UHF/VHF/GPS antenna on UAV (middle), structurally
integrated VHF antenna onto an aircraft wing to body fairing (right).