Finite element analysis of a printed circuit dipole phased array antenna

A numerical method for predicting the performance of phased array antennas is described. This method utilizes the finite element method coupled to two different modal expansions: a Floquet modal expansion and a waveguide modal expansion. The Floquet modal technique is used to model the exterior periodic domain while the waveguide modal expansion is used for the antenna feed as well as calculating the reflection coefficient. A printed circuit dipole antenna array configured with a radome is used to demonstrate the method.