Active Control of a Large-Scale Deployable Two-Dimensional Planar Phased Array Antenna

Abstract

Phased array antennas are essential for Earth observation and target tracking, with dual utility in both civilian and military applications. In line with the growing demand for high-resolution data, these antennas are trending toward larger scales and elevated orbital deployments, introducing challenges in dynamic stability and control. This work rigorously investigates the active vibration control of an expandable, large-scale, 2-D phased array antenna. Unlike traditional 1-D configurations, the proposed 2-D array yields enhanced observation gains and extended scanning ranges. The article elucidates the antenna's specific structural design and employs finite-element method for its dynamical modeling. Considering the low-frequency dense characteristics of the antenna structure, this study proposes a strategy for active vibration control, specifically employing cable actuators to actively suppress the vibrations within the antenna structure. The control law design accounts for the unidirectional and saturation limitations of cable forces. Optimal actuator placement within the structure is also examined. Numerical simulations validate the efficacy of the proposed control mechanism, confirming cable actuators as an effective solution for active vibration control in large-scale space structures.