Browsing by Author "Pienaar, Hardie"
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- ItemKaroo Array Telescope site shielding : laboratory, computational and multi-copter studies(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Pienaar, Hardie; Reader, H. C.; Davidson, D. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Northern Cape in South Africa has been chosen to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) due to the area’s overall radio quietness. As part of the supporting systems for the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT), a processing building has been constructed on the site. With the Karoo Array Processing Building (KAPB) now in place, investigating the radio frequency interference (RFI) of the building has become a high priority. If successful, understanding of RFI propagation on-site will shape policies and contribute to the sustainability of on-site radio quietness. This dissertation focuses on understanding the shielding and propagation characteristics of both the KAPB building, as well as a man-made soil berm. On-site measurements, scale models and computational models will be used to investigate the local electromagnetic environment. Additionally, a Multi-copter vehicle is developed to support on-site measurement campaigns. Using data measured on-site it was possible to develop empirical models for local shielding estimations. It was found that the shielding performance of the berm was primarily affected by diffraction. Also, the developed computational model makes it possible to investigate alternative terrestrial structures. The work done in this dissertation will permit off-site analysis of propagation over terrestrial structures. Moreover, the development of a Multi-copter measurement platform creates more efficient metrology. Finally, empirical models are designed so that shielding budgets can be calculated for noise sources to the nearest receivers.