Simulation of 3D Printed Antenna System using Liquid Metal Antenna Elements

This paper describes the construction and simulation of a 3D-printed multi-element two-dimensional antenna array using Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) liquid metal components. This proof-of-concept system validates the use of liquid metal for highly adaptable antenna patterns that are configurable in frequency, directivity, gain, and/or polarization via changes in the effective antenna lengths/volume. Moreover, this adaptability is achieved within a single shared volume, enabling system-relevant extensions via additive manufacturing and/or modular pre-formed antenna structures within a chosen radome. Overall performance of this aggregated adaptive antenna system closely resembles that of distinct apertures, save for minimal parasitic effects from the feed structures of non-utilized apertures.