In this paper, the design, simulation and fabrication of a flexible waveguide for various X-band applications is discussed. The flexible waveguide structure consists of folded metal surfaces. The effect of changing the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the waveguide surfaces has been fully investigated and the final optimal structure has been proposed. Finally, in order to validate the simulation results, a flexible waveguide sample has been fabricated using the hydroforming method. The most important advantage of using this manufacturing method is its ability to shape complex structures in an integrated manner and reduce the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process. The measurement results show that the flexible waveguide sample in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz has insertion and return losses better than 0.32 dB and 20 dB.
In this paper, the design, simulation and fabrication of a flexible waveguide for various X-band applications is discussed. The flexible waveguide structure consists of folded metal surfaces. The effect of changing the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the waveguide surfaces has been fully investigated and the final optimal structure has been proposed. Finally, in order to validate the simulation results, a flexible waveguide sample has been fabricated using the hydroforming method. The most important advantage of using this manufacturing method is its ability to shape complex structures in an integrated manner and reduce the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process. The measurement results show that the flexible waveguide sample in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz has insertion and return losses better than 0.32 dB and 20 dB.