Shape morphing reconfigurable antennas: Mechanics, coupled design, and actuation

Abstract Shape morphing antennas reconfigure electromagnetic performance through physical deformation of conductor geometry. This review provides a systematic assessment of shape morphing antennas from a structural mechanics perspective. We classify shape reconfiguration into three categories: rigid body motion, origami-inspired reconfiguration, and elastic deformation. We survey design methodologies across these categories, showing evolution from fully decoupled electromagnetic design for rigid body motion to tightly coupled structural–electromagnetic analysis for elastic deformation. Actuation approaches including manual reconfiguration, external electromechanical actuators, and embedded smart materials are reviewed. A comparative analysis demonstrates that all three approaches achieve operating frequencies from below 1 GHz to 96 GHz, frequency tuning ranges exceeding 100%, beam steering up to 360 deg, and polarization reconfiguration. We also highlight applications unique to the shape morphing approach from satellite antennas, to wearable electronics, to environmental sensors. Importantly, we overview cases where shape reconfiguration exceeds the performance achieved through more established electronic switches. Lastly, this review identifies several emerging research directions including closed-loop smart material actuation, coupled structural and electromagnetic optimization, hybrid mechanical and electronic reconfiguration, and reporting of systems-level metrics.