Abstract: A method of making a reconfigurable antenna comprises the steps of applying one or more first layers of a prepreg laminate fabric to a form having a desired contour; applying a pattern corresponding to an antenna shape to the first layers of prepreg fabric; applying one or more second layers of the prepreg laminate fabric atop the pattern to form a laminate stack; curing the laminate stack; and removing the pattern to form channels in the antenna shape. The desired contour may be an aircraft skin panel or an airfoil panel. The pattern may be a polymer sheet with an applied cPLA antenna design. The curing step may be performed in a vacuum bag under the application of vacuum and heat. The removing step may be performed by heating the cured laminate stack to remove the pattern.

Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna comprises a panel having a liquid metal pump coupled to a power supply; a liquid metal reservoir in fluid communication with the pump; one or more channels for transporting the liquid metal, each of the one or more channels having a proximal end in fluid communication with the pump, each of the one or more channels having a vent at a distal end, wherein application of power to the pump moves the liquid metal into or out of the channels thereby reconfiguring the antenna. The pump may be a pneumatic pump or a magnetohydrodynamic pump, and a layer of a phosphonic acid may be included on the liquid metal-bearing surfaces of the channels. The phosphonic acid may be decylphosphonic acid (DPA), fluorobenzylphosphonic acid (FPA), or difluorobenzylphosphonic acid (DFPA), and one or more sensors may be coupled to the panel for determining the position of the liquid metal in the channels.