Beam Pattern Analysis of Antenna Array on Complex Platform Using AEP Method Based on Hybrid UTD-ACGF Technique

For accurate beam analysis of a radiating antenna array on a complex platform, the mutual coupling and platform scattering effects are important. We proposed a beam pattern analysis method for an antenna array on a complex platform, which combines the active element pattern method of the receiving mode and hybrid geometrical theory of diffraction antenna current Green's function technique. This proposed method clearly and mathematically divides the beam pattern of the antenna array on a complex platform into mutual coupling and platform scattering components. For a 12 linear dipole array embedded in a complex aircraft, analyses of the beam pattern and boresight error using the proposed method were verified with the method of moment results, which were simulated with FEKO. With reasonably good accuracy, the proposed method can efficiently analyze a beam pattern reflecting the mutual coupling effect and the platform scattering effect. Additionally, convex optimization with the proposed method is simply applied to synthesize the compensated beam pattern.