Conformal Antenna Arrays Study

Two methods of synthesizing patterns from conical arrays were investigated during this period. In the first method the equivalence principle was used to synthesize patterns that are approximate duplicates of the patterns of representative planar arrays. This is done by evaluating on the surface of the cone the near field of a centrally located and mechanically steered hypothetical planar array. These near fields are used to calculate the required complex excitations of real elements on the surface of the cone to nearly duplicate the pattern of the hypothetical planar array. Patterns are presented of the results for two beam pointing directions. In the second method of synthesizing patterns from a conical surface, a heuristic approach was taken wherein the placement of the elements on the surface was based on extrapolations from linear and circular array theory and practice. Several element configurations are considered and numerous computer patterns are presented. The characteristics of these patterns are summarized by comparing in graphical form grating lobe levels, first sidelobe levels, and back-lobe levels for all of the patterns.