Analysis of wire antenna structures above lossy homogeneous soil

Characteristics and performance of antennas positioned in the air above lossy half-space are more or less influenced by its electrical parameters. This influence is mathematically expressed by so-called Sommerfeld´s integrals that are not solvable in a closed form. In this paper, a number of simple approximations will be used for their evaluation. In order to illustrate the range of validity of those approximations, a few practically important antenna structures will be analysed solving the Hallén´s integral equation and applying the point-matching method. Obtained results will be then discussed and compared to available ones of other authors. Based on presented results, corresponding conclusions will be made.