Design and Analysis of a Miniaturized Nested Multi-Ring CSRR for Aircraft Navigation and Radar Systems

— The present research outlines a miniaturized, dual resonance, negative refractive index, nested multi-ring complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) metamaterial (MTM) structure constructed exclusively for augmenting the performance of antennas deployed in airplane navigation systems. The proposed CSRR design is a single-layer structure, comprising asymmetrically inclined L-shaped slits etched on the top conductor of 1.6mm thick FR-4 substrate, while the ground copper is fully removed to optimize its electromagnetic (EM) properties. The overall size of the structure is 22x22x1.6 mm³, and it exhibits resonant frequencies at 1.09GHz (encompassing 0.95GHz–1.12GHz) and 1.2GHz (encompassing 1.14GHz – 1.27GHz), with a comprehensive negative index response stretching from 0.5GHz to 1.27GHz. The resultant effective medium ratio of 12.86 validates the design efficiency and compactness of the structure. The unit-cell is placed strategically on the ground plane of an end-fire antenna intended for use in aviation navigation, arranged as an 3x3 array. This coupling has led to a significant improvement in impedance bandwidth from 7MHz to 93MHz, raising the fractional bandwidth from 0.71% to 8.89%. The radiator performance is enhanced without compromising the antenna gain. The proposed MTM is simulated, and optimized using HFSS software, guaranteeing precise EM response and confirming its appropriateness for high-performance aerospace systems.