AbstractsStatistics

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This work considers the efficient numerical analysis of large, aperiodic finite antenna arrays. A Method of Moments (MoM) based domain decomposition technique called the Domain Green's Function Method (DGFM) is formulated to address a wide range of array problems in a memory and runtime efficient manner. The DGFM is a perturbation approach that builds on work initially conducted by Skrivervik and Mosig for disjoint arrays on multi-layered substrates, a detailed review of which will be provided in this thesis. Novel extensions considered for the DGFM are as follows: a formulation on a higher block matrix factorisation level that allows for the treatment of a wider range of applications, and is essentially independent of the elemental basis functions used for the MoM matrix formulation of the problem. As an example of this, both conventional Rao-Wilton-Glisson elements and also hierarchical higher order basis functions were used to model large array structures. Acceleration techniques have been developed for calculating the impedance matrix for large arrays including one based on using the Adaptive Cross Approximation (ACA) algorithm. Accuracy improvements that extend the initial perturbation assumption on which the method is based have also been formulated. Finally, the DGFM is applied to array geometries in complex environments, such as that in the presence of finite ground planes, by using the Numerical Green's Function (NGF) method in the hybrid NGF-DGFM formulation. In addition to the above, the DGFM is combined with the existing domain decomposition method, viz., the Characteristic Basis Function Method (CBFM), to be used for the analysis of very large arrays consisting of sub-array tiles, such as the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) for radio astronomy. Finally, interesting numerical applications for the DGFM are presented, in particular their usefulness for the electromagnetic analysis of large, aperiodic sparse arrays. For this part, the accuracy improvements of the DGFM are used to calculate quantities such as embedded element patterns, which is a major extension from its original formulation. The DGFM has been integrated as part of an efficient array analysis tool in the commercial computational electromagnetics software package, FEKO. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie werkstuk word die doeltre ende analise van eindige, aperiodiese antenna samestellings behandel. Eindige gebied benaderings wat op die Moment Metode (MoM) berus, word as vetrekpunt gebruik. `n Tegniek genaamd die Gebied Green's Funksie Metode (GGFM) word voorgestel en is geskik vir die analise van `n verskeidenheid van ontkoppelde samestellings. Die e ektiewe gebruik van rekenaargeheue en looptyd is onderliggend in die implementasie daarvan. Die GGFM is 'n perturbasie metode wat op die oorspronklike werk van Skrivervik en Mosig berus. Laasgenoemde is hoofsaaklik ontwikkel vir die analise van ontkoppelde antenna samestellings op multilaag di elektrikums. `n Deeglike oorsig van voorafgaande word in…