Acoustic Models of Radio Antennas

The large number of independent variables in antenna arrays make it advisable to develop means for rapidly surveying the field patterns which may be obtained. The advantages in the use of acoustic models for this purpose are shown. Two analogous acoustic antennas are developed, one for the measurement of fields at a distance and the other for fields close to the antenna. The procedure which can be followed in setting up the models and making measurements is outlined. Advantages are demonstrated for the acoustic model in the study of nonsinusoidal current distributions, and their effect on the field pattern. The measurement of mutual impedance between antennas may be conveniently carried out with one of the models. The arrangement for phasing and magnitude control in a multiunit array are shown. The field of an acoustic model is shown in comparison with the field of an actual array which it simulates.