Comparing the measured and modelled response of bespoke antennas using gprMax

The simulation software gprMax uses the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method to model propagating electromagnetic (EM) waves primarily for the purpose of ground-penetrating radar (GPR). This open source tool provides a means to investigate the optimal specifications for ground-coupled and air-launched antennas prior to construction. In order for this modelling capability to be fully exploited, an initial assessment of the ability of gprMax to faithfully represent simple antenna designs is being undertaken. This paper compares the measured and modelled response of three antennas; a simple wire dipole, a bow-tie and a microstrip fed Vivaldi. These antennas were constructed and the S11 parameter obtained from 0.5 to 6 GHz using a vector network analyser (VNA). These measurements were then compared to the S11 response simulated using gprMax.