Phased Array Antenna Analysis Using Hybrid Finite Element Methods

Abstract

This research in computational electromagnetics developed a new method for predicting the near-field mutual coupling effects in phased array antennas, using the finite element method (FEM) in combination with integral equations. Accurate feed modeling is accomplished by enforcing continuity between the FEM solution and an arbitrary number of wave guide models across a ground plane aperture. A periodic integral equation is imposed above the antenna's physical structure in order to enforce the radiation condition and to confine the analysis to an array unit cell. The electric field is expanded in terms of vector finite elements, and Galerkin's method is used to write the problem as a matrix equation. A general-purpose computer code was developed and validated by comparing its results to published data for several array types. Its versatility was demonstrated with predictions of the scanning properties of arrays of printed dipoles and printed flared notches.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA267620

Entities

People

  • Daniel T. Mcgrath

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Value Problems
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Dielectrics
  • Electromagnetic Scattering
  • Far Field
  • Geometry
  • Integral Equations
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Physical Properties
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Three Dimensional
  • Transmission Lines
  • Two Dimensional
  • Wave Equations

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.