A Multi-physics Simulation Framework for High-power Microwave Counter-unmanned Aerial System Design and Performance Evaluation

TL;DR

This work tackles the challenge of designing effective non-kinetic counter-UAS solutions by introducing a unified multi-physics simulation framework for high-power microwave systems operating at 2.45 GHz. The framework couples RF source behavior, propagation, electromagnetic interaction with unshielded drone wiring, and a sigmoid-based semiconductor damage model, and it is validated with a 10{,}000-trial Monte Carlo analysis yielding system-level kill probabilities with confidence intervals. Key contributions include a six-subsystem system model, a subsystem-specific damage probability characterization, deterministic and stochastic analyses, parametric design maps, ICNIRP safety assessments, and full public release of the simulation code for reproducibility. The results quantify kill probabilities across range and operating modes, show substantial gains from pulsed operation, identify wiring-harness resonance as a critical vulnerability, and provide design tools to balance power, aperture, and safety in SWaP-constrained C-UAS deployments.

Abstract

The proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) operating under autonomous guidance has created an urgent need for non-kinetic neutralization methods that are immune to conventional radio-frequency jamming. This paper presents a comprehensive multi-physics simulation framework for the design and performance evaluation of a high-power microwave (HPM) counter-UAS system operating at 2.45\,GHz. The framework integrates electromagnetic propagation modelling, antenna pattern analysis, electromagnetic coupling to unshielded drone wiring harnesses, and a sigmoid-based semiconductor damage probability model calibrated to published CMOS latchup thresholds. A 10{,}000-trial Monte Carlo analysis incorporating stochastic variations in transmitter power, antenna pointing error, target wire orientation, polarization mismatch, and component damage thresholds yields system-level kill probabilities with 95\% confidence intervals. For a baseline configuration of 25\,kW continuous-wave power and a 60\,cm parabolic reflector (21.2\,dBi gain), the Monte Carlo simulation predicts a kill probability of $51.4\pm1.0$\% at 20\,m, decreasing to $13.1\pm0.7$\% at 40\,m. Pulsed operation at 500\,kW peak power (1\% duty cycle) extends the 90\% kill range from approximately 18\,m to 88\,m. The framework further provides parametric design maps, safety exclusion zone calculations compliant with ICNIRP 2020 guidelines, thermal management requirements, and waveguide mode analysis. All simulation codes and results are provided for full reproducibility.

Figures (15)

• Figure 1: Top-level block diagram of the HPM counter-UAS system architecture showing the RF power chain (top), control and support subsystems (bottom), and the directed HPM beam toward the target sUAS.
• Figure 2: Electric field intensity versus distance for five transmitter power levels with a 60 cm parabolic reflector (21.2 dBi). Dashed lines indicate CMOS damage thresholds. The green band marks the 20--40 m target engagement zone.
• Figure 3: Sigmoid damage probability curves for five sUAS electronic subsystems as a function of incident electric field. Parameters are listed in Table \ref{['tab:damage_thresholds']}.
• Figure 4: System-level kill probability versus range for five configurations. Dashed line indicates the 90% threshold. Green band marks the target engagement zone.
• Figure 5: Comparison of pulsed and CW operation at constant average power (5 kW). (a) Peak electric field versus distance for five duty cycles. (b) Corresponding system kill probability. Reducing duty cycle from 100% to 1% extends the 90% kill range from $\sim$12 m to $\sim$45 m.