A polarimetric antenna model for small conformal arrays including mutual coupling effects

A physical modeling method for the calculation of characteristic high-frequency electromagnetic parameters of small conformal arrays is introduced. The antenna array model is based on the interaction between special antenna elements composed of electrically small dipoles and loop antennas and allows for the calculation of generic mutual coupling effects inside the antenna array. Also, a pattern synthesis method based on the projection of cylindrical sector waves onto the antenna array elements is described. Numerical results for arrays of cylindrical sector geometry and commonly used beam shapes are presented and the calculated coupling effects inside the antenna array are analyzed. The results are compared to data measured at a practical antenna array.