MSc. Internship | Antenna embedded in composite

Internship Opportunity: Antenna Embedded in Composite

About this position

Modern military platforms (such as vehicles, ships, and drones) contain many antennas for a variety of applications, like communication, navigation, and jamming. Integration of these antennas in the composite body of platforms leads to increased robustness and compactness of the construction, as well as less feed throughs. This student project is about the integration of antennas in a composite panel, from start to finish, from an electromagnetics (EM) perspective. Research of the challenges that arise, prediction of limitations, 3D EM simulations, discussions with mechanical experts, design and manufacture of a demonstrator, and validation of its performance.

What will be your role?

You will research all aspects of the integration of antennas in a composite panel; the challenges that arise when designing antennas embedded in composite, practical design limitations, and expected performance. Your research will be based on literature study, analytical models, and 3D EM simulations. Discussion with mechanical and composite experts, regarding practical limitations in manufacturing, as well as in mechanical performance of the composite panel, are also part of the research. However, we do not expect a strong background in mechanics from you.

The theoretical framework will be used to design a prototype containing one or multiple antennas (or an antenna array) for a realistic use case. This prototype will also have mechanical requirements, set by other experts. The prototype will be manufactured. The performance of the prototype, for example radiation efficiency, gain, radiation pattern, will be assessed in measurements, and conclusions will be drawn. Various mechanical properties will also be assessed, but are outside the scope of this research.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student who is enthusiastic and wants to contribute to a safe and secure society. We expect you to be independent, eager, creative and willing to learn new things. Effective communication skills, and good proficiency in the English and/or Dutch language are required.

As a (graduate) student pursuing a Master’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, you should possess the following qualifications:

• Affinity with electromagnetics (EM), specifically antenna design;
• Experience with 3D EM modelling software, such as CST;
• Programming experience: Proficiency in either MATLAB or Python (or both) is essential.

Furthermore, we prefer someone with the following qualifications:

• Some affinity with mechanical implications of design choices;
• Experience with measurement of antenna properties, such as gain, radiation efficiency, and radiation patterns.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

For more information about this vacancy:

Tom Nunen, van

• E-mailadres: tom.vannunen@tno.nl