On the use of amplitude tapering for pattern correction of conformal (Curved) antennas

Using amplitude tapering to improve the radiation pattern of a conformal antenna on a surface that changes shape with time has been studied and is presented in this paper. In particular, a six element array was attached to a wedge-shape conformal surface with bend angles 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees and 50 degrees and the amplitudes of each element were changed to improve the broadside radiation pattern. The amplitude coefficients of each element were computed using the array factor of a conformal antenna and a search algorithm.