The THERMACOM project aims to address the scientific and technical challenges related to the performance of antenna systems and RF cables in particularly harsh thermal environments. The targeted applications span both the defense sector (antennas, radar signatures) and the civilian sector (space, nuclear, volcanology). Generally speaking, radio frequency (RF) and microwave systems—particularly antennas, cables, and associated connectors—must withstand high temperatures; thermal environments in the range of several hundred degrees are common. Nevertheless, for certain systems, these temperatures can become much higher: this is the case, for example, with hypersonic carriers, space launch vehicles, satellites, and nuclear reactors, where temperatures can reach 600 °C. The challenge lies in the ability to design technologies capable of simultaneously meeting thermomechanical, aerothermal, and electromagnetic (EM) constraints.
The integration of an antenna system subjected to very high temperatures cannot be limited to the radiating element; it must take into account the RF cabling to which it is connected. The main objective of the Thermacom project is therefore to develop experimental capabilities (protocols and advanced measurement technologies) to test and characterize components such as antennas or RF cables at very high temperatures, in order to ensure their performance under extreme thermal stresses. This development includes the establishment of three dedicated test benches:
- A tubular furnace test bench to evaluate RF cables and demonstration models.
- A free-space test bench (i.e., outside an anechoic chamber) to characterize materials and antenna radiation under thermal stress.
- A waveguide test bench to electromagnetically characterize (complex permittivity and permeability) material samples at different temperatures.
These test benches will enable the measurement of the electromagnetic response of components under conditions similar to those encountered in defense or civilian contexts, where performance accuracy is crucial to mission success (radar, telemetry, communications, and wireless control applications).
More specifically, the project proposes the development of an innovative solution for semi-rigid RF cables (cables and connectors) capable of operating at high temperatures, up to 600 °C. These cables, used in particular in AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) radars, enable the transmission of signals with high precision. In addition, the project proposes the establishment of a thesis topic in which a doctoral student will work on thermo-electromagnetic modeling and, through their fundamental research, contribute to the coherence between the different stages of the project.
This project is based on a thesis topic. The main tasks involve developing the EM characterization bench for waveguides at the Fresnel Institute to achieve the target temperatures. The modeling of thermal propagation phenomena will be correlated with variations in electromagnetic characteristics. In parallel with the operation of this bench, the PhD student will be responsible for synthesizing the results obtained with the other measurement benches. Cross-referencing the electromagnetic measurements and thermo-electromagnetic models will provide insight into the links between thermal phenomena and variations in the electromagnetic characteristics of materials.

Thermo-electromagnetic modelling, ASTRID 2026 'Thermacom' project