GOALI Collaborative Proposal: 3D RF Microsystems using Direct Digital Manufacturing Technology

目标研究提出，将推进直接数字制造（DDM），或三维，可重构微波微系统的增材制造的设计和制造技术。 DDM是一种逐层制造方法，其可以将联合收割机结构、功能和牺牲材料组合在任意形状结构的单个构建中。这项工作将研究包括新的传输线几何形状，可部署的3-D天线和可调谐腔体滤波器的设备。基于DDM产生的形状变化表面的机械重构也将被研究。智力Merit DDM已经在从生物医疗设备到燃料电池的广泛领域实现了重大的技术创新，但在RF/微波应用中的利用仍处于起步阶段。迄今为止，高频应用主要包括在共形表面上沉积导体以形成天线和简单的互连。该项目将探索创新的电子和机械设计技术的整合，这些技术与低成本的通用制造平台兼容，以生产3D微波系统。更广泛的影响扭转高科技制造业就业岗位的流失对国家至关重要？因此，该项目的成果可能会产生重大的社会影响。 DDM也是一种绿色技术，可消除与减材制造相关的材料浪费，因此对环境可持续性产生积极影响。 研究成果将通过合作机构之间的联合REU活动纳入本科教育，并纳入每所学校的研究生课程。研究生交流计划沿着在Sciperio的暑期实习，以加强专业发展。

Objectives Research is proposed that will advance design and fabrication techniques relating to direct digital manufacturing (DDM), or additive manufacturing of three-dimensional, reconfigurable microwave microsystems. DDM is a layer-by-layer fabrication approach which can combine structural, functional and sacrificial materials in a single build of arbitrary-shaped structures. The work will investigate devices that include new transmission line geometries, deployable 3-D antennas and tunable cavity filters. Mechanical reconfiguration based on DDM-produced shape-shifting surfaces will also be studied.Intellectual Merit DDM has enabled significant technical innovation in a wide range of fields, from bio-medical devices to fuel cells, but utilization in RF/microwave applications is in its infancy. To date, high frequency applications have consisted primarily of the deposition of conductors on conformal surfaces to create antennas and simple interconnects. This project will explore the integration of innovative electronic and mechanical design techniques that are compatible with a low cost, common manufacturing platform to produce 3D microwave systems.Broader Impacts Reversing the loss of high-tech manufacturing jobs is of vital importance to the Nation?s economic security, and thus the outcomes of this project could have significant societal impact. DDM is also a green technology that eliminates material waste associated with subtractive manufacturing and so has a positive impact on environmental sustainability. The outcomes of the research will be integrated into undergraduate education through joint REU activities between the partnering institutions, and also into the graduate curricula at each school. Graduate student exchanges are planned along with summer internships at Sciperio to enhance professional development.