Antenna array radiation pattern modeling which includes mutual coupling and diffraction effects

In this paper we propose a model of a linear antenna array which takes into account mutual coupling and aperture edge diffraction effects. As a result it is possible to determine pure coupling coefficients between radiating elements and to approximate the active element radiation patterns very accurately. Finally, these approximated patterns are used to calculate radiation pattern of an antenna array using the Unit-Excitation Active Element Pattern technique. Two antenna arrays, based on different type of radiating element, are analyzed with the proposed model. It is shown that the new technique is very accurate and allows us to precisely determine radiation patterns of antenna arrays. The proposed model gives solid basis for developing a mutual coupling and diffraction effects compensation technique.