ABSTRACT

Submarine antenna is used for communication by Radio Frequency(RF) system. It is

protected by radome. Radomes are the electromagnetic windows that protect microwave

sub-systems from the environmental effects

Increasing the performance of antenna is depends upon the proper selection of material to

with stand under the water applications Composite materials owing to their high strength

to weight ratio, high stiffness and better corrosion resistance are potential source for

under water applications.

ANSYS a Finite Element software package used to analyze the problem. The radome

design and finite element analysis validation concluded by conducting the pressure test

on radome.

1
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Radar Dome, or usually called Radome, is usually placed over the antenna as an antenna
protector. The basic function of a radome is to form a protective cover between an
antenna and the environment with minimal impact to the electrical performance of the
antenna. Under ideal conditions, a radome is electrically invisible. How well a radome
accomplishes this depends on matching its configuration and materials composition to a
particular application and Radio Frequency range.
Radomes can be found protecting a wide range of outdoor terrestrial and shipboard
communications systems and radar installations as well as airborne avionics system
antennas. The proper selection of a radome for a given antenna can actually help improve
overall system performance by:
1. Maintaining alignment by eliminating wind loading, Allowing for all-weather
operations by protecting the system from rain, snow, hail, sand, salt spray, insects,
animals, UV damage, and wide temperature fluctuations.
2. Providing shelter for installation and maintenance personnel
3. Preventing visual observation of system (security)
4. Minimizing downtime, and extending component and system operating life.
Radomes can be classified into ground-based, naval and airborne radomes

Functioning of radome

2
 Historically, a variety of materials have been used for constructing radomes,
including balsa and plywood in early structures. Modern ground-based and ship-based
radomes are manufactured using composite materials such as fiberglass, quartz, and
aramid fibers held together with polyester, epoxy, and other resins, such as the one
shown. Foam and honeycomb cores are often added between inner and outer “skins” of
the radome to function as a low-dielectric-constant spacer material providing structural
strength and rigidity.

1.1 SHAPE OF THE RADOME:

The main objective of this project is to develop composite radome which protects
the electronic equipment from high water pressure and transparent to electromagnetic
waves.
The geometric shape of the radome is a cylindrical barrel covered with a hemi-
spherical dome at the top. It has a circular plate at the bottom end of the cylinder having
M6 size holes which acts as a flange. The radome is secured to the submarine structure
with M6 bolts on its flange.
Radome is made of sandwiched construction with glass reinforced plastic (GRP) as
sheet material and syntactic foam as core. E glass woven fabric & Epoxy resin is used

3
 Submarine radome
Above fig1.4 we can see the shape of radome and assembled with the bolts and nuts by
hole.
1.2 FUNCTIONS OF THE RADOME:
The Functions of the radome are as follows:
1. The Radome protects the installation from the deteriorating effects of environment and
extends the durability of antenna and other equipment.
2. The overall performance of the antenna will be increased with the use of radome
3. FRP radome helps to have overall economy and weight reduction.
4. A radome permits the air borne antenna to function with good efficiency under high
head of the water over the submarine.
1.3. Applications
All of these products include excellent electromagnetic performance for their
intended applications, providing up to 98% transmission efficiency depending on
frequency. Some typical examples include:
1.4 Naval radomes
It is used in shipboard radar applications, high-data-rate communications systems,
gunfire control and high-bandwidth data link terminals.

4
 CHAPTER 2
DESIGN OF SUBMARINE RADOME
INTRODUCTION
Creo Elements/Pro, a product formerly known asPro/ENGINEER is a parametric,
integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by Parametric Technology
Corporation (PTC). It was the first to market with parametric, feature-based,
associativesolid modeling software. The application runs on Microsoft Windows and
Unix platforms, and providessolid modeling, assembly modeling and drafting, finite
element analysis, and NC and tooling functionality for mechanical engineers. The
Pro/ENGINEER name was changed to Creo Elements/Pro on October 28, 2010,
coinciding with PTC’s announcement of Creo, a new design software solution

2.1 PRO/E DESIGN:

Pro-E Design, LLC was founded in Macedonia, Ohio by Brian T. Hengle. A graduate
of Cleveland State University, Brian holds a bachelor of Civil Engineering with a
concentration in Structures. He is registered in the state of Ohio as a Professional
Engineer.
Pro/ENGINEER is a parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by
Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC). It was the first to market with parametric,
feature-based, associative modeling software. The application runs on Microsoft-
Windows platform, and provides modeling, assembly and drafting, finite element
analysis, and NC and tooling functionality for mechanical engineers.
The Pro/ENGINEER name was changed to Cero element/Pro on October 28, 2010,
coinciding with PTC’s announcement of Cero, new design software. Pro/ENGINEER
(Pro/E for short) is a commercial CAD/CAM package that is widely used in industry for
CAD/CAM applications. It is one of the new generations of systems that not only offer a
full 3-D solid modeler, in contrast to purely 2-D and surface modelers, but also
parametric functionality and full associatively. This means that explicit relationships can

5
be established between design variables and changes can be made at any point in the
modeling process and the whole model is updated. The method of constructing a model
of an object is very similar to that followed in the production of a physical component.
For example the manufacture of the shaped block would start with the choice of
construction environment, the selection of a piece of stock material followed by a series
of manufacturing processes, e.g. milling, drilling, welding/sticking. Pro/E has direct
analogues for most of these operations as various types of FEATURES which can be
combined to generate a complete representation of a PART, Pro/E's terminology for a
single component. Features fall into three main categories, Construction, Sketched and
Pick/Placed.
Pro/E is mainly used for CAD.pro/E is generally defined as feature based, associative,
parametric.

2.2 FEATURE BASED:

When you want to create any solid model, you have to create it using number of
features hence it is known as feature base. Pro/ENGINEER is feature-based. Geometry is
composed of a series of easy to understand features. A feature is the smallest building
block in a part model. Things to remember:
• Pro/ENGINEER allows building a model incrementally, adding individual features one
at a time.
• This means, as you construct your model feature by feature you choose your building
blocks as well as the order you create them in, thus capturing your design intent.
• Design intent is the motive, the all-driving force, behind every feature creation.
• Simple features make your individual parts as well as the overall model flexible and
reliable.
The fly-out icons will appears automatically on the right side screen when you enter the
sketcher mode.
These icons are logically grouped together, based on capability.

6
Associative:
Pro/ENGINEER models are often combinations of various parts, assemblies,
drawings, and other objects. Pro/ENGINEER makes all these entities fully associative.
That means if you make changes at a certain level those changes propagate to all the
levels. For example if you change dimensions on a drawing the change will be reflected
in the associated part.
Any modification made in any module will automatically create modification in the
other module. So this type of connection from module to module is known as associative.
2.3 Modules of PRO/E
1 .SKETCHER
2. PART DESIGN
3. ASSEMBLY
4. DRAWING

2.4 MODELLING PROCEDURE:

Initially 2D drawings were created using sketcher toolbar; tools in profile tool bar such
As line, circle, rectangle, and point, reference lines etc … and sketch references like grid,
vertex, and dimensions are used.
The created drawings were then completely constrained using the tool in constraint
tool bar like constraint and auto constraint.
Then 2D drawings were converted into 3D using sketch based features tools such
as extrude, swept blend, blend.
3D objects are modified as required using engineering feature tool bar, tools such
as edge fillet, chamfer are used.

7
physical dimensions of radome
Physical dimensions Values in mm

Diameter 1651

Height 1384.3

Hole diameter 50

Thickness 275

It is a 2D drawing with lines, arcs, axis and dimensions. This 2d drawing is based
on the physical dimension of radome. It revoles with respect to the axis line with 360
degrees angle and then will became into 3d solid model in the form of radome shape.

2D Drawing of radome
8
The solid model of radome with 50mm of holes positing in isometric view. This solid
model is imported for analysis with IGES format (IGES stands for Initial Graphics
Exchange Specification)

3D Isometric view of the radome

9
 CHAPTER 3
MATERIAL
Since the performance of a radome depends on the materials used, the materials play
an important role in the design of the radome.
In the beginning plywood was used for fabrication of radomes. But due to its
moisture absorption tendency now it is not used. Metals cannot be used as radome
materials because they are conductors of electricity which will absorb the transmitted
electromagnetic waves by the antenna.
To avoid moisture absorption resin impregnated glass fabric was applied as thin layer
on the outer surface of the plywood radome. But the performance of this layer is very
much limited. After that polyester foam phenolic resin impregnated cotton canvas was
used to protect moisture absorption even though this exhibits good strength, its resistance
to heavy physical stresses was poor.
To increase the wall strength, the thickness of the radome wall has to be increased
which is not suitable to radar wave length. At this critical stage composite materials fiber
reinforced plastics came into existence. Composite material is the combination of two or
more materials with different properties and characteristics of the parent material. A
composite is a mixture of materials with adequate bond between the constituents; the
constituents retain their physical identity even after several years.
The metals have been the most preferred engineering materials because of their
mechanical properties. Composite materials with high specific modulus and specific
strength are fast becoming the choice of materials for engineering applications where
weight is a crucial factor. In case of radomes light weight facilitates easy handling and
rotation in required direction which allows power saving, cost saving and greater safety.
The materials must be such that it should not interfere with RF signals. Compared to
metals, composite materials provide better solution to the requirements of masts.
The composite material mainly contains two components namely reinforcement and
the matrix.

10
3.1REINFORCEMENT:
The main function of the reinforcement is to improve the overall mechanical
properties of the composite. In general this reinforcement material will have higher
tensile strength and young modulus than that of matrix material. These are used in the
form of fibers.
Many materials like glass carbon fiber, graphite, boron fiber, asbestos, whiskers,
Kevlar etc, can be used as reinforcement material, out of these glass fiber is most
versatile. For very high performance applications advanced composites made of either
carbon fibers or boron fibers are used. But in India fibers are used to reduce the cost of
production.
3.2 GLASS FIBRES:
Glass fibres are manufactured by drawing molten glass into very fine threads and
then immediately protecting them from contact with the atmosphere or with hard surfaces
in order to preserve the defectfree structure that is created by the drawing process. Glass
fibres are as strong as any of the newer inorganic fibres but they lack rigidity on account
of their molecular structure. The properties of glasses can be modified to a limited extent
by changing the chemical composition of the glass, but the only glass used to any great
extent in composite materials is ordinary borosilicate glass, known as E-glass. The largest
volume usage of composite materials involves E-glass as the reinforcement. S-glass
(called Rglass in France) has somewhat better properties than E-glass, including higher
thermal stability, but its higher cost has limited the extent of its use. Wallenberger and
Brown (1994) have recently described the properties of experimental calcium aluminate
glass fibres with stiffnesses as high as 180GPa.
Over 95% of the fibers used in reinforced plastics are glass fibers, as they are
inexpensive, easy to manufacture and possess high strength and stiffness with respect to
the plastics with which they are reinforced.
Their low density, resistance to chemicals, insulation capacity are other bonus
characteristics, although the one major disadvantage in glass is that it is prone to break
when subjected to high tensile stress for a long time.

11
 However, it remains break-resistant at higher stress-levels in shorter time frames.
This property mitigates the effective strength of glass especially when glass is expected
to sustain loads for many months or years continuously.
Period of loading, temperature, moisture and other factors also dictate the tolerance
levels of glass fibers and the disadvantage is further compounded by the fact that the
brittleness of glass does not make room for prior warning before the catamorphic failure.
But all this can be easily overlooked in view of the fact the wide range of glass fiber
variety lend themselves amicably to fabrication processes like matched die-moulding,
filament winding lay-up and so on. Glass fibers are available in the form of mates, tapes,
cloth, continuous and chopped filaments, roving and yarns.
Addition of chemicals to silica sand while making glass yields different types of
glasses

These fibers are graded as E,A,C,S,Z,M& D.

· ‘E’ glass is electrical grade which is having high bulk electrical resistivity and high
surface resistivity.
· ‘A’ glass in one which is having high alkali content and of very limited use.
· ‘C’ glass is a chemical quality and used for corrosion resistance to acids.
· ‘S’ glass has higher strength and elastic module that E glass. 29
· ‘Z’ glass is used to reinforce the cement products.
· ‘M ’glass has high value of young’s modulus but specific strength is low.
· ‘D’ glass has low dielectric loss value and hence is specifically suited for high
performance electronic applications radomes etc.,
The various forms of glass fiber reinforcement are as continuous strand and roving,
chopped strands, yarns, mats etc

3.3 Aramid Fibers

Aramid fibers are made aromatic polyamides which are long polymeric chains and
aromatic rings. They are structures in which six carbon s\atoms are bonded to each other

12
and to combinations of hydrogen atoms. In aramid fibers, these rings occur and reoccur to
form the fibers. They were initially used to reinforce automobile tires. Since then, they
have also found other uses like bullet proof vests. As high strength applications, their use
in power boats is not uncommon.
Aramids have high tensile strength, high modulus and low weight. Impact-resistant
structures can be produced from aramids. The density of aramid fibers is less than that of
glass and graphite fibers. They are fire resistant apart from being high-temperature
resistant and unaffected by organic solvents fuels. But their resistance in acid and alkaline
media is poor. They are supple and allow themselves to be woven into matrices by simple
processes. Aramid fibers have a negative coefficient of thermal expansion in the fiber
direction and failure of aramid fibers is unique. When they fail, the fibers break into
small fibers, which are like fibers within the fibers. This unique failure mechanism is
responsible for high strength.
3.5 ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITES:
Fibrous composites are often the material of choice of designers for variety of
reasons including low weight, high stiffness, high strength, electrical conductivity ( or
non conductivity), low thermal expansion, low or high rate of heat transfer and corrosion
resistance.

3.6 HIGH SPECIFIC STIFFNESS AND STRENGTH:

Undoubtedly the most often cited advantage of fibrous composites is their high
specific stiffness and high specific strength as compared with traditional engineering
materials. These properties lead to improved performance and reduced energy
consumption, both vitally important in the design of almost all engineering structures.
Unlike isotropic materials, composites are directionally dependent. Thus
composites can be designed to have the desired properties in specified directions without
over designing in other directions.
Tailored Design:

13
 Composites can be engineered to meet the specific demands of each particular
application. Available design options include.
i. The choice of materials (fiber and matrix)
ii. The volume fraction of fiber and matrix
iii. Fabrication method
iv. Number of layers in a given direction
v. Thickness of individual layers
vi. Type of layer (unidirectional or fabric)
vii. Layer stacking sequence (symmetric or anti-symmetric)
This vast array of design variables for composites contrasts sharply with more traditional
engineering materials, where the choices are much more limited. The availability of a
wide array of structural materials means that more efficient structures can be fabricated
with less material waste.
The matrix is of considerably lower density, stiffness and strength than the fibers.
However, the combination of fibers and matrix can have very high strength and stiffness,
yet have low density.

3.7 LIMITATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS:

There are some drawbacks and limitations in use of composites and these include:-
i. High cost of fabrication of composites is a critical issue improvement in processing and
manufacturing will lower these costs in the future.
ii. Because of anisotropy of composites, the structural analysis (computational,
experimental) is more complicated and intensive.

3.8 APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS:

Composite materials have been successfully applied in a wide variety of fields

14
AEROSPACE:-
In aircrafts, spacecrafts& helicopters, the composites have been used successfully.
High specific modules and strength and dimensional stability during large changes in
temperature in space make composites the material of choice in space applications.
SPORTING GOODS:-
Composites are used in athletic equipment to improve composites through lighter
weight and improved tailoring composites have been used for tennis racket, boat hulls,
speed boats, hockey sticks etc.
MILITARY:-
Helmets, bullet proof vests, lighter weapons, portable bridges are a few examples of
military applications. Apart from these, composites have been used successfully in
automotive industry, medical and electronic applications.

15
 CHAPTER 4
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
INTRODUCTION
The finite element method is a numerical technique, well suited to digital
computers, which can be applied to solve problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics,
heat transfer and vibrations. The procedures to solve problems in each of these fields are
similar; however this discussion will address the application of finite element methods to
solid mechanics problems. In all finite element models the domain (the solid in solid
mechanics problems) is divided into a finite number of elements. These elements are
connected at points called nodes. In solids models, displacements in each element are
directly related to the nodal displacements. The nodal displacements are then related to
the strains and the stresses in the elements. The finite element method tries to choose the
nodal displacements so that the stresses are in equilibrium approximately) with the
applied loads. The nodal displacements must also be consistent with any constraints on
the motion of the structure.
The finite element method converts the conditions of equilibrium into a set of
linear algebraic equations for the nodal displacements. Once the equations are solved, one
can find the actual strains and stresses in all the elements. By breaking the structure into a
larger number of smaller elements, the stresses become closer to achieving equilibrium
with the applied loads. Therefore an important concept in the use of finite element
methods is that, in general, a finite element model approaches the true solution to the
problem only as the element density is increased (see the discussion on Limitations of
Finite Element Methods)

4.1 Steps in the solution procedure:

There are a number of steps in the solution procedure using finite element methods.
All finite element packages require the user to go through these steps in one form or
another.

16
1) Specifying Geometry - First the geometry of the structure to be analyzed is defined.
This can be done either by entering the geometric information in the finite element
package through the keyboard or mouse, or by importing the model from a solid modeler
like Mechanical Desk Top.
2) Specify Element Type and Material Properties - Next, the material properties are
defined. In an elastic analysis of an isotropic solid these consist of the Young’s modulus
and the Poisson’s ratio of the material.
3) Mesh the Object - Then, the structure is broken (or meshed) into small elements. This
involves defining the types of elements into which the structure will be broken, as well as
specifying how the structure will be subdivided into elements (how it will be meshed).
This subdivision into elements can either be input by the user or, with some finite
element programs (or add-ons) can be chosen automatically by the computer based on the
geometry of the structure (this is called automeshing).
4) Apply Boundary Conditions and External Loads - Next, the boundary conditions (e.g.
location of supports) and the external loads are specified.
5) Generate a Solution - Then the solution is generated based on the previously input
parameters.
6) Post processing - Based on the initial conditions and applied loads, data is returned
after a solution is processed. This data can be viewed in a variety of graphs and displays.
7) Refine the Mesh - Finite element methods are approximate methods and, in general,
the accuracy of the approximation increases with the number of elements used. The
number of elements needed for an accurate model depends on the problem and the
specific results to be extracted from it. Thus, in order to judge the accuracy of results
from a single finite element run, you need to increase the number of elements in the
object and see if or how the results change.
8) Interpreting Results - This step is perhaps the most critical step in the entire analysis
because it requires that the modeler use his or her fundamental knowledge of mechanics
to interpret and understand the output of the model. This is critical for applying correct
results to solve real engineering problems and in identifying when modeling mistakes

17
have been made (which can easily occur).The eight steps mentioned above have to be
carried out before any meaningful information can be obtained regardless of the size and
complexity of the problem to be solved. However, the specific commands and procedures
that must be used for each of the steps will vary from one finite element package to
another. The solution procedure for ANSYS is described in this tutor. Note that ANSYS
(like any other FEM package) has numerous capabilities out of which only a few would
be used in simple Static Analysis problems.
The solution of a general continuum by the finite element method always follows an
orderly step by step process; the step by step procedure for static structural problem can
be stated as follows: Discritization of structural domain:
The first step in the finite element method is to divide the structure or solution
region into sub divisions or elements.
Step2. Selection of a proper interpolation model:
Since the displacement (field variable) solution of a complex structure under any
specified load condition cannot be predicted exactly, we assume some suitable solution
within an element to approximate the unknown solution. The assumed solution must be
simple from computation point of view and it should satisfy certain convergence
requirements.
Step3. Derivations of element stiffness matrices (Characteristic matrices) and load
vectors:
From the assumed displacement model the stiffness matrix [K(e)] and the load vector
P(e) of element ‘e’ are to be derived by using either equilibrium conditions or a suitable
variation principle.
Step4. Assemblage of element equations to obtain the overall equilibrium equation:
Since the structure is composed of several finite elements, the individual element
stiffness matrices and load vectors are to be assembled in a suitable manner and the
overall equilibrium equation has to be formulated [k]_=P
Where [k] is called assembled stiffness matrix, _ is called vector of nodal displacements
and P is the vector of nodal forces for the complete structure.

18
Step 5: Solution of system equations to find nodal values of the displacements (field
variable)
The Overall equilibrium equations have to be modified to account for the boundary
conditions of the problem. After the incorporation of the boundary conditions, the
equilibrium equations can be expressed as [K]_ = P.
For the linear problems, the vector ‘-’ can be solved very easily but for non-linear
problems, the solution has to be obtained in a sequence of steps, each step involving the
modification of the stiffness matrix [K] and for the load vector ‘P’.
Step 6: Computation of element strains & stresses from the known model displacements:
If required, the element strains & stresses can be computed by using the necessary
equations of solid or structural mechanics. In the steps the words indicated in brackets
implements for the general FEM step by step procedure.

4.2 EXPLANATION OF FEM STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE:

The steps involved in finite element analysis are stated earlier, general explanation
of each step of the step by step procedure of FEM is given below. This description
provides general outlook on bird’s eye view of FEM.
DISCRETIZATION OF DOMAIN:
The discretization of domain of solution region into sub regions (finite elements) is
the first step in the finite element. This is equivalent to replacing the domain having an
infinite number of degrees of freedom by a system having finite number of degrees of
freedom.
The process of discretization is essentially an exercise of engineering judgment. The
shapes, size number & configuration of the elements have to be chosen carefully such
that the original body or domain is simulated as closely as possible without increasing the
computation effort needed for the solution.
BASIC ELEMENT SHAPES:
For any given physical body we have to use engineering judgment in selecting
appropriate elements for discretization. Mostly the choice of the type of the element is

19
dictated by the geometry of the body and the number of independent spatial coordinates
necessary to describe the system. Some of the popularly used are one, two & three
dimensional elements.
When the geometry, material, properties & parameters (like stress, displacement,
pressure & temperature) can be described in terms of only one spatial coordinate, we can
use one dimensional element. Although this element has a cross sectional area, it is
generally schematically as a five segment. Using this type of elements the cross sectional
area along the length may be varied.
When the configuration and the details of the problem can be described in terms of
two independent spatial co-ordinates, we can use the two dimensional elements. The
basic element useful for two dimensional analyses is the triangular element. Although a
quadrilateral for its special forms, rectangle & parallelogram elements can be obtained by
assembling two or four triangular elements, in some cases
the use of quadrilateral elements prove to be advantageous.
If the geometry, material properties and other parameters of the body can be
described by three spatial coordinates. We can idealize the body by using three
dimensional elements. The basic three dimensional, analogous to the triangular elements
in the case of two dimensional problem is the tetrahedron element.
Some problems which are actually three dimensional can be described by only one or
two independent coordinates. Such problems can be idealized by using an axissymmetric
or ring type elements. The problem that posses axial symmetry like pistons, storage tanks,
Valves, rocket nozzles & re-entry vehicle shield fall into this category.
The present problem inner casing also comes under the same category. So in this
problem the assume element for descritization is axisymmetric quadrilateral two
dimensional element. For descritization of problems involving curved geometry, finite
elements with curved side are useful. The ability to model curved boundaries has been
made possible by the additional of middle nodes. Finite elements with straight lines are
known as linear elements, while those with curved sides are called higher order elements.

20
4.3 TYPE OF ELEMENTS:
Often the type of elements to be used is evident from the physical problem itself for
example if the problem involves the analysis of a truss structure under a given set of load
conditions the type of elements to be used idealization is obviously the bar or line
elements. However in some cases the type of elements to be used of idealization may not
be apparent and in such cases one has to choose the type of elements judicially. In certain
problems the given body cannot be represented as an assemblage of only one type of
elements. In such cases, we may have to use two or more types of elements of
idealization.
SIZE OF ELEMENTS:
The size of the elements influences the convergence of the solution directly & hence
it has to be chosen with care. If the size of the element is small, the final solution is
expected to be more accurate. However, we have to remember that the use of the
elements of smaller size will also mean more computational time. Sometimes we may
have to use elements of different sizes in the same body. The size concentration is
expected compared to faraway places. In general, use a finer mesh in that region, another
characteristic related element solution is the aspect ratio of the elements. The aspect ratio
describes the shape of the elements in the assemblage of elements, for two dimensional
elements aspect ratio is taken as the ratio of the largest dimension of the element to the
smallest dimension elements with as aspect ratio of nearly unity generally yield best
results.
LOCATION OF NODES:
If the body has no abrupt changes in geometry, material properties and external
conditions (like load, temperature etc.,) the body can be divided into equal sub divisions
and hence the spacing of the nodes can be uniform. On the other hand, if there are any
discontinuities in the problem nodes have to be introduced obviously at these
discontinuities.

21
NUMBER OF ELEMENTS:
The number of elements to be chosen for idealization is related to the accuracy
desired, size of elements and the number of degrees of freedom involved although an
increase in number of elements generally mean more accurate results, for any given
problem there will be certain number of elements reaches the point
so significant improvement will be found. Moreover, since the use of larger number of
elements involves larger number of degrees of freedom, we may not be able to store the
resulting matrices in the available computer memory.
NODAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM:
The basic idea of FEA is to consider a body as composed of several elements which
are connected at specified node points. The unknown solution or the field variable (like
displacement, pressure and temperature) inside any finite element is assumed to be given
by a simple function in terms of the nodal values of the element.
The nodal displacement rotations necessary to specify the deformation of the finite
element are the degrees of freedom of element. The nodal values of the solution, also
known as nodal degree of freedom, are treated as unknowns in formulating the systems of
overall equations, the solution of the system equation (like force equilibrium equations)
gives the values of the unknown nodal degree of freedom. Once, the nodal degree of
freedom are known, the solution with in the any element (and hence with in complete
body) will also be known to us. For having the results in terms of nodal degrees of
freedom the interpolation function must be derived in terms of nodal degree of freedom.

COORDINATE SYSTEM:
A local coordinate system is not that is defined for a particular element and
necessary for the entire body of structure, the coordinate system for entire body is called
as the “Global Coordinate system”. A natural coordinate system is a local coordinate
system which permits a specification of a point within the element by a set of dimension
less numbers whose magnitude never exceeds unity. The derivation of element
characteristic matrices and vectors involves the integration of the shape functions or their

22
derivative or both over the element. These integrals can be evaluated easily if the
interpolation functions are written in terms of local coordinate system.

4.4 FORMATION OF ELEMENT CHARACTERISTIC MATRICES AND

VECTORS:
The characteristic matrices and characteristic vectors (also termed as vectors of nodal
actions) of finite elements can be derived by using any of the following approaches:
DIRECT APPROACH:
In this method, direct physical reasoning is used to establish the element properties
(Characteristic matrices and vectors) in terms of pertinent variables.
VARIATION APPROACH:
In this method, the finite element analysis interpolated as an approximate means for
solving variation problems. Since physical and engineering problems can be readily
applied for finding their appropriate solutions. The variational approach has been most
widely used in the literature in formulating finite element equations.
A major limitation in the method is that it requires the physical or engineering
problem to be stated in variational form which may not be possible in all cases.
WEIGHTED RESIDUAL APPROACH:
In this method, the element matrices and vectors are directly form the governing
differential equations of the problem without reliance on the variation statement of the
problem, this method offers the most general procedure for deriving finite element
equations and can be applied to almost all practical difference procedures can be used.
They are,
a) Collocation method.
b) Sub domain collocation method.
c) Galerkin method.
d) Least squares method.
Assembly of Element Matrices and vectors and derivation of system equations

23
4.5 LIMITATIONS OF FINITE ELEMENT METHODS:
Finite element methods are extremely versatile and powerful and can enable
designers to obtain information about the behavior of complicated structures with almost
arbitrary loading. In spite of the significant advances that have been made in developing
finite element packages, the results obtained must be carefully examined before they can
be used. This point cannot be overemphasized.
The most significant limitation of finite element methods is that the accuracy of the
obtained solution is usually a function of the mesh resolution. Any regions of highly
concentrated stress, such as around loading points and supports, must be carefully
analyzed with the use of a sufficiently refined mesh. In addition, there are some problems
which are inherently singular (the stresses are theoretically infinite). Special efforts must
be made to analyze such problems.
There is a strong temptation to “solve” problems without doing the hard work of
thinking through them and understanding the underlying mechanics and physical
applications. Modern finite element packages are powerful tools that have become
increasingly indispensable to mechanical design and analysis. However, they also make it
easy for users to make big mistakes.

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 CHAPTER 5
ANALYSIS OF SUBMARINE RADOME
INTRODUCTION:
The finite element method is based on representation of a body by an assemblage of
sub divisions called ‘Finite Elements’. These elements are considered inter connected at
the joint which are called ‘Nodes’. In order to approximate the distribution of the actual
displacements over each of finite elements, simple functions are chosen. Such assumed
functions are called displacement functions. The unknown magnitudes of these
displacement functions are the displacements at the nodes.
The displacement model/functions can be expressed in various simple forms such as
polynomials and trigonometric functions since polynomials offer ease in mathematical
manipulations, they have been employed commonly in finite element applications

5.1 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

The following different load cases considered for designing radome:
Case (i) Water head pressure acting on Radome (due to under water)
Water head Pressure acting on radome (P) = ρgh.
Density of sea water at average temperature of 25C (ρ) = 997.0479 kg/m3
Radome depth in water (h) = 490 m
P= 997.0479*9.91*490
= 4.7920*10E6 n/m2
P = 48 bar
Submarine depth ratings

The maximum operating depth (popularly called the never-exceed depth) is the
maximum depth at which a submarine is allowed to operate under any conditions.World
War II German U-boats generally had collapse depths in the range of 200 to 280 metres
(660 to 920 feet). Modern nuclear attack submarines like the

25
American Seawolf classareestimated to have a test depth of 490 m which would imply
(see above) a collapse depth of 730 m (2,400 ft)

5.2 Static Structural Analysis

A static structural analysis determines the displacements, stresses, strains, and

forces in structures or components caused by loads that do not induce significant inertia
and damping effects. Steady loading and response conditions are assumed; that is, the
loads and the structure's response are assumed to vary slowly with respect to time. A
static structural load can be performed using the ANSYS or Samcef solver. The types of
loading that can be applied in a static analysis include:

 Externally applied forces and pressures

 Steady-state inertial forces (such as gravity or rotational velocity)
 Imposed (nonzero) displacements
 Temperatures (for thermal strain)

A static structural analysis can be either linear or nonlinear. All types of

nonlinearities are allowed - large deformations, plasticity, stress stiffening, contact
(gap) elements, hyperelasticity and so on.

BOUNDARY COUNDITIONS: Holes area is constrained in all the directions &

Pressure acting on outer surface of the radome with 48 bar

5.3 FE ANALYSIS:
ANSYS Ver. XII is used for finite element Analysis of the radome. The geometric
model is generated as per the drawing. The model is shown at Appendix. The radome is
modeled as composite shell element (SHELL 63) suitable fixed constraints are applied.
The FE model is shown at Appendix. The Water Pressure acting on the surface of the
radome is calculated by the emperical formula and is applied on the whole surface of the
radome.

26
Following assumptions are made to analyze the model.
1. Water pressure acting on the periphery of the radome.
2. Material properties taken for E. glass / Epoxy fiber reinforced plastic with fiber -
orientation of O and 900 deg.
3. Mounting flange of radome of assumed rigid body. The following material properties
are extracted from literature & applied to the model
5.4 ANSYS:
The ANSYS computer software is a large-scale multipurpose finite element method
program that may be used for solving several classes of engineering problems.
The analysis capabilities of ANSYS include the ability to solve static and dynamic
structural analyses , steady state and transient problems, mode frequency and buckling
Eigen value problems, static or time varying magnetic analyses and various types of field
and coupled applications. The program contains many special features which allow non
liberties or secondary effects tube included in the solution such as, plasticity, large strain,
hyper elasticity, creep; swelling, large deflection contact stress stiffening temperature
dependency, material anisotropy and radiation. As ANSYS was developed, other special
capabilities such as, surface structuring, sub modeling, random vibration, piezo-electrics,
coupled field analysis and design optimization was added to the program. These
capabilities contribute further to make ANSYS a multipurpose analysis tool for varied
engineering discipline.
The ANSYS program has been in commercial use since 1970 and it is used
extensively in the aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, energy, service,
manufacturing, nuclear , oil and steel industries. In addition, many consulting firms and
hundreds of universities use ANSYS for analysis, research and educational use.
5.5 MODEL GENERATION:
The ultimate purpose of a F.E.A is to recreate mathematically the behavior of an actual
engineering system. In other words, the analysis must be accurate mathematical model of
a physical prototype. In the bookend this model comprises all the modes, elements,

27
material properties, real constants, boundary conditions and other feature that are used to
respective the physical system.
The ANSYS program offers you the following approaches to model
· Creating a solid model
· Using direct generation
· Importing a model created in a computer aided design (CAD) system.

5.6 MESHING:
Advanced meshing techniques:
Mesh generation refers to the generation of nodes and elemental connectivity. It also
includes the automation numbering of nodes and elements based on a minimal amount of
user supplied data.
Mesh generation may be classified into
Semi – Automatic
Fully – Automatic
Semi – automatic:-
The models are sometimes referred to a “interactive mesh generation methods” to
emphasize properly that they require the analysis interaction with the mesh generator to
create the mesh. It can be divided into 2 groups:
· Wire – frame and surface based groups.
· Solid modelling based group.
Meshing your solid model:
How to mesh your solid model:-
The procedure for generating a mesh of nodes and elements consist of 3 main steps
1. Set the element attributes
2. Set mesh controls (optional), Ansys offers a large no. of mesh controls, which you can
choose from to suit your needs.
3. Generating the mesh.

28
The second step, setting mesh controls, is not always necessary, because the default mesh
controls are appropriate for many models. If no controls are used, the program will use
the default settings to produce a free mesh as an alternative, we can use the smart size
feature to produce a better quality for mesh before meshing the model, and even before
building the model. It is important to think about whether a free mapped mesh
appropriate feature analysis.
Free mesh (Automatic):
Coordinate In this type of generation the user does not have to specify in each node point
and element consecutively i.e. no restrictions in terms of element shapes, are no specified
pattern applied to it. This method of generation helps us Faso Fe meshing and needs only
enclosed areas to generate elements.

Mapped mesh (user defined):

The user manually controls the mesh generation like shape, size etc i.e. restricted on
terms of the elements shape it contains and the pattern of the mesh. A mapped area
contains either only contains either only quadrilateral or only triangular elements. While
mapped volume only contains hexahedron elements. In addition a mapped mesh typically
has a regular pattern, with obvious row of elements. If this type of mesh is desired, the
user must build the geometry that has a series of fairly regular volumes and/or area.

5.7 STATIC ANALYSIS:

ANSYS has been used for the finite element analysis of the radome.
Linear static analysis is carried out to find out the structural response of the model.

29
Types of Structural Analysis

The seven types of structural analyses available in the ANSYS family of products
are explained below. The primary unknowns (nodal degrees of freedom) calculated in a
structural analysis are displacements. Other quantities, such as strains, stresses, and
reaction forces, are then derived from the nodal displacements.

Structural analyses are available in the ANSYS Multiphysics, ANSYS Mechanical,

ANSYS Structural, and ANSYS Professional programs only.

You can perform the following types of structural analyses. Each of these analysis
types are discussed in detail in this manual.

Static Analysis--Used to determine displacements, stresses, etc. under static loading

conditions. Both linear and nonlinear static analyses. Nonlinearities can include
plasticity, stress stiffening, large deflection, large strain, hyper elasticity, contact surfaces,
and creep.

Modal Analysis--Used to calculate the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a

structure. Different mode extraction methods are available.

Harmonic Analysis--Used to determine the response of a structure to harmonically time-

varying loads. Transient Dynamic Analysis--Used to determine the response of a
structure to arbitrarily time-varying loads. All nonlinearities mentioned under Static
Analysis above are allowed.

Spectrum Analysis--An extension of the modal analysis, used to calculate stresses and
strains due to a response spectrum or a PSD input (random vibrations).

Buckling Analysis--Used to calculate the buckling loads and determine the buckling
mode shape. Both linear (eigenvalue) buckling and nonlinear buckling analyses are
possible.

30
Explicit Dynamic Analysis--This type of structural analysis is only available in the
ANSYS LS-DYNA program. ANSYS LS-DYNA provides an interface to the LS-DYNA
explicit finite element program. Explicit dynamic analysis is used to calculate fast
solutions for large deformation dynamics and complex contact problems

5.8 SHELL63

It has both bending and membrane capabilities. Both in-plane and normal loads are
permitted. The element has six degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal
x, y, and z directions and rotations about the nodal x, y, and z-axes. Stress stiffening and
large deflection capabilities are included. A consistent tangent stiffness matrix option is
available for use in large deflection (finite rotation) analyses

SHELL63, the 4-node shell element, can be used for rough, approximate studies of
sandwich shell models. A typical application would be a polymer between two metal
plates, where the bending stiffness of the polymer would be small relative to the bending
stiffness of the metal plates. The bending stiffness can be adjusted by the real constant
RMI to represent the bending stiffness due to the metal plates, and distances from the
middle surface to extreme fibers (real constants CTOP, CBOT) can be used to obtain
output stress estimates on the outer surfaces of the sandwich shell. It is not used as
frequently as SHELL91, SHELL99, or SHELL181, and will not be considered for
anything other than sandwich structures in this section.

5.9 Procedure of analysis of submarine Radome in ANSYS:

The following steps are taken in the analysis
Pre processor:
File-import-select Radome IGES file-OK
Preferences→ Structural-OK
Element type-add/edit/del -add
1) Shell elastic 4node63-OK

31
Real constant-Add/edit/delete-add
Shell thickness 10mm
Material properties -material model –structural -linear- elastic- orthotropic
Density =0.00155 kg/mm3-ok
MeshingMesh tool-ok
Lines-set-select all lines-element edge length=2-ok
Change mesh options to lines-select lines-click mesh-ok
Set-shell-areas-select areas-mesh-ok
Loads Displacement -Apply -on area- select the area -all DOF -click ok
Pressure -On outer surface areas select –ok (Uniform hydrostatic pressure applied on the
material P=4.8MPa)
Solution:
Solve-Current LS-ok
Solution is done
General post processor:
Plot results -counter plot -Nodal solution -Deformation -USUM -
deformed+ undeformed shape -OK-OK

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Fig 6.1 The area of radome is meshed with shape tetra and free meshed. Initially lines
meshed with 20 edge length and then area of the radome free meshed. Accurate solution
occurs when solution meshed with maximum number of elements.

Fig 5.1 Meshing of Radom

33
 Below fig 5.2 Maximum displacement vector sum is 1.742 mm of Aramid/epoxy
material.
In Y-direction displacement is 1.7 mm which is maximum than all the three directions.
Maximum displacement occurs at the top of the dome which is shown in fig with the
indication of MX. Minimum displacement occurs at the edges of holes because the hole
is constrained in all the directions.

Fig 5.2 Displacement vector sum

34
 Below fig 5.3 The tensile stress in X-direction of the Aramid/epoxy is 375.105
MPa at node 497. The ultimate tensile stress of Aramid/epoxy in X-direction is 1377
MPa. Which is less than resultant tensile stress High stresses are occurred at the edges of
the holes due to the hole area is constrained. Maximum compressive stress in X-direction
is -384.769 MPa.

Fig 5.3 X-component of stress of Aramid epoxy

35
 Fig 5.4 Maximum tensile stresses in Y-direction of Aramid/epoxy are 95.779 MPa
at node 195and maximum compressive stress is -44.599 MPa at node 591. Ultimate
tensile stress of Aramid/epoxy in Y-direction is 18 MPa. By comparing both the stresses
resultant tensile stress is more than ultimate tensile stress. By applying T-saiwu failure
criteria then it can predict the design is safe limit. Both the tensile and compressive
stresses are occurring at the edges of the hole.

Fig 5.4 Y-component of stress of Aramid/epoxy

By substituting resultant parameters in the T-saiwu failure criterion then the output value
is -51.769 MPa. which is less than one. So hence this structural analysis design is safe. It
is with stand under the pressure of 48 bar

36
 CHAPTER 6
RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

1. The dielectric constant of the composite materials measured by Nicolson-Ross-Weir

method. Dielectric constant of Aramid/epoxy is 2.958 and E-glass/epoxy composite is
4.289.

2. Maximum displacement vector sum is 1.742 mm of Aramid/epoxy material.

Maximum displacement occurs at the top of the dome

3. Maximum tensile stress in Z-direction is 414.442 MPa and compressive stress is -

433.969 MPa. The compressive stress is occurs at the center of the radome. Maximum
Shear stress is occurs in Z direction is 299.33 MPa

4. T-saiwu failure criterion then the output value is -51.769 MPa. which is less than one.
So hence this structural analysis design is safe. It is with stand under the pressure of 48
bar.

37
 CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSIONS

1. Dielectric constant of Aramid/epoxy is 2.958 and E-glass/epoxy composite is 4.289

were determined by using Ross-Weir method. Low dielectric constant of material absorbs
high frequency and transmits to the antenna. So Aramid epoxy preferable because it has
low dielectric constant than E-glass/epoxy.

2. T-saiwu failure criterion applied for the static analysis of radome. The resultant
stresses were determined which is used to substitute in t-saiwu failure. then the output
value of t-sai criteria is -51.769 MPa. which is less than one. So hence this structural
analysis design is safe. It is with stand under the pressure of 48 bar.

38
 REFERENCE:

1. Dr. Gates PJ & Lynn NM “Ships, Submarines & the Sea” Vol.2, Brassey’s (UK),
1990.

2. Bryan Harris “Engineering Composite Materials” 2nd edition, 1999. Sun CT

“Strength Analysis of Unidirectional Composite Laminates”

3. Prof. P.N. Joubert “Some aspects of Submarine Design”, Australian government

department of defense.

4. Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla and Ashok D. Belegundu,Introduction to Finite Elements in

Engineering (4th Edition) by (Oct 29, 2011).

5.Cady, Karelitz and Turner “Radar scanners and Radomes” MIT UNIVERSITY

6.Kimiyoshi Naito a,, Yutaka Kagawa b, KanshiKurihara, Dielectric properties and

noncontact damage detection of plain-woven fabricglass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix
composites using millimeter wavelengthmicrowave, Research Center for Advanced
Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo”

7.P.Satheesh Kumar Reddy, Ch.Nagaraju ,T.Hari Krishna3,Optimum Design And

Analysis Of Filament Wound Composite Tubes In Pure And Combined Loading ISSN:
2278-0181 Vol. 1 Issue 8, October - 2012

9. Ilbeom Choi, JinGyu Kim , Dai Gil Lee Sung SeoAramid/epoxy composites sandwich
structures for low-observable radomesSchool of Mechanical Aerospace & Systems
Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, ME3221

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