Pattern tolerance analysis of distorted linear array using interval methods

A mathematical model is developed to determine the effect on the radiated array pattern of distorted linear array caused by the tolerances on the array element position using the interval methods. In the model, according to the mathematical rules of interval arithmetic, the upper and lower bounds of linear array´s power pattern can be analytically expressed as functions of interval values of the element positional errors. The tolerance studies are achieved with the expression to determine the effects of different interval values of the positional errors on the interval of radiated power pattern and its features such as sidelobe levels and beam width as well as pattern tolerance index. A series of representative results demonstrate the validity and potential ability of the proposed model.