Numerical analysis of copper sheet RF antenna by two-dimensional moment method

A two-dimensional (2D) moment method (MOM) based on the thin wire formulation is proposed for the analysis of a radiofrequency (RF) transmit antenna made of copper sheet that is used in permanent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The antenna is approximated by a two-dimensional wire grid model and the integral equation is used to calculate the current distribution. To evaluate the proposed method a harmonics analysis module (HA) of ANSYS is also used. Calculation results by the 2D MOM show that the current distribution agrees with that by the HA of ANSYS within the field range of permanent MRI. A flat D-shaped antenna has been built and measured results of its input impedances are presented. Good agreement has been obtained between calculated and measured data.