Innovative improvements to High-Frequency Simulation Methods for Installed Antenna Performance

It is critical to accurately predict radiation pattern, near fields and co-site coupling associated with antennas installed on electrically large airborne platforms, which can be addressed by asymptotic high frequency techniques such as the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD). However, innovative improvements are required in the development and application of these techniques due to challenges such as implementation of creeping wave mechanisms on faceted CAD models, identification of multiple order interactions and modeling of material treatments. Applied EM, Inc. developed a UTD based code, uCAST, to predict radiation pattern and coupling of antennas on electrically large aircraft platforms. Based on the experience with the development of this code, Applied EM proposes to enhance accuracy and efficiency of the code by improving its existing capabilities and implementing new capabilities. For this purpose, some benchmark problems that will address special needs of NAVAIR will be generated. Computed data from the uCAST code will be validated for these problems against computed data from a full-wave solver or measured data. Shortcomings of the existing capabilities and important missing interactions will be identified. The code will be enhanced accordingly to yield better accuracy.