Parabolic reflector antennas frequency measurement with microtremor and validation with numerical analysis

Abstract

Establishing of parabolic reflector antennas is required for any satellite communications. The important parameters of antenna structure are Gain, Pointing accuracy and Natural frequency. This research intends to understand the free vibration characteristics of antenna structure with field test and numerical analysis. Antenna servo system band width depends upon antenna stiffness and structure fundamental frequency. Generally, String-Snap method is followed for finding the frequency physically. But it is a destructive test. Hence frequency obtained from numerical analysis is only considered for deciding the servo system. Nowadays, using microtremor (velocity sensor) frequency of antenna can be measured without any damage or destruction to antenna. In this paper, 7.2m diameter full coverage antenna is considered for field test and numerical analysis and the results are compared. © 2019 IEEE.