Finite element design of CNT-based multilayer absorbers

• Ugo d'Elia ^[2] ; Giuseppe Pelosi ^[1] ; Stefano Selleri ^[1] ; Ruggero Taddei ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Florence

     University of Florence

     Firenze, Italia

     
  2. [2] MBDA Italia
• Localización: Compel: International journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, ISSN 0332-1649, Vol. 32, Nº 6, 2013, págs. 1929-1942
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Purpose – A design procedure for multi-layer absorbers based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) frequency selective surfaces (FSS) sheets is here developed. The paper aims to discuss there issues.

    Design/methodology/approach – Single layer FSS are first analyzed via finite element (FE). Then equivalent sheets admittances are extracted in a transmission line model. Neural networks (NNs) interpolation over this data and subsequent multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) based optimizations are then performed to design multiple layers absorbing structures. Designs are finally validated via full wave FEM simulations.

    Findings – In this paper, some absorbing structures made of three or four FSS sheets with total thicknesses around 6 mm are synthesized.

    Research limitations/implications – NNs' accuracy used in the equivalent model can be refined with further training.

    Practical implications – Low profile absorbing materials are of relevant industrial interest both for radar cloaking and anechoic chambers.

    Originality/value – The transmission line model combined with NNs and GA optimization is capable of speeding up the design procedure with respect to a conventional full-wave FEM approach.