The radar cross section reduction of microstrip patch antennas for low-observable platforms

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dc.contributor.advisorDavidson, D. B.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorWilsen, Craig B.en_ZA
dc.contributor.otherStellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.en_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2012-08-27T11:36:59Zen_ZA
dc.date.available2012-08-27T11:36:59Zen_ZA
dc.date.issued1996en_ZA
dc.descriptionThesis (M. Ing.) -- University of Stellenbosch, 1996.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractENGLISH ABSTRACT: The radar cross section (RCS) of microstrip patch antennas is studied. Patch antennas are popular choices for microwave telecommunication systems, particularly in aerospace applications. An antenna has a disproportionately large RCS. The RCS of a single patch antenna may be significantly larger than that of an entire low-observable (stealth) vehicle. The minimization of the RCS of antennas to be mounted on such platforms is therefore an important goal. Stealth technology is almost exclusively of military interest. References in the open literature are understandably fairly scarce. Several patch antenna RCS reduction methods have been published, however. Techniques investigated here are lossy superstrates, terminating impedance variation, resistive skirts and shorting posts. The patch scattering problem was simulated using two computer codes: a hybrid finite element / method of moments (FEM/MoM) code and a commercial finite element program, Ansoft Corporation's Maxwell Eminence. The latter was found to be more versatile and to perform better. A series of RCS measurements was carried out at the compact range of the University of Pretoria. Two S-band patches, to which the RCS reduction techniques were applied, were measured. The RCS of the patch was separated from that of its mounting structure by a postcalibration procedure. The lossy superstrate and terminating impedance variation techniques were less effective than expected. The resistive skirts were moderately successful. The shorting post approach worked well, allowing a substantial 10 dB reduction of the RCS. By comparison with the measurement, the Eminence code is demonstrated to be capable of very accurate patch RCS predictions. The FEM/MoM RCS results did not agree well with the measured data, but this is attributed to differences between the test antenna and the computer model. Although a practical antenna would consist of an array of patches, these are not considered here.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractAFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die radar deursnit (RD) van mikrostrook plak antennes word bestudeer. Plak antennes is 'n gewilde keuse vir mikrogolf telekommunikasie stelsels, veral in lugvaartkundige en ruimte toepassings. 'n Antenne se RD is buite verhouding met sy fisiese grootte. Die RD van 'n enkele plak antenne kan beduidend groter as die van 'n hele laag-waarneembare (sluip, oftewel stealth) voertuig wees. Die vermindering van die RD van antennes wat op sulke platforms gemonteer word is 'n belangrike doelwit. Sluip tegnologie is feitlik uitsluitlik van militere belang. Verwysings in die ope literatuur is dus verstaanbaar seldsaam. 'n Aantal plak antenne RD verminderings tegnieke is egter gepubliseer. Metodes wat hier ondersoek word is verlieserige superstrate, verandering van die terminerende impedansie, resistiewe stroke en kortsluit pennetjies. Die plak strooiings probleem is met twee rekenaar programme gemodelleer: 'n hibriede eindige element / moment metode ("FEM/MoM") program en 'n kommersiële eindige element program, Ansoft Corporation se Maxwell Eminence. Laasgenoemde kan 'n wyer verskeidenheid probleme hanteer en openbaar ook beter werkverrigting. 'n Reeks RD metings is by die kompakte meetbaan van die Universiteit van Pretoria uitgevoer. Twee S-band plakke met verskeie RD verminderings tegnieke is gemeet. Die RD van die plak is van die van sy monteringsstruktuur geskei deur middel van 'n na-kalibrasie prosedure. Die verlieserige superstraat en verandering van terminerende impedansie metodes was minder doeltreffend as verwag. Die resistiewe stroke was taamlik suksesvol. Die kortsluit pennetjies het goed gewerk: hulle het 'n aansienlike 10 dB RD vermindering bewerkstellig. Deur vergelyking met die meting word gewys dat die Eminence program tot baie akkurate plak RD voorspellings in staat is. Die FEM/MoM RD uitslae het nie goeie ooreenstemming met die gemete data getoon nie. Die fout word aan verskille tussen die toets-antenne en die rekenaar model toegeskryf. Alhoewel 'n praktiese antenne 'n samestelling van plakke sou benodig, word slegs enkele plakke hier beskou.af_ZA
dc.description.versionMastersen_ZA
dc.format.extent75 pages : illustrationsen_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/55302en_ZA
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherStellenbosch : Stellenbosch Universityen_ZA
dc.rights.holderStellenbosch Universityen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshMicrowave antennasen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshMicrostrip antennasen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshImpedance (Electricity)en_ZA
dc.subject.lcshRadar cross sectionsen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshDissertations -- Electronic engineeringen_ZA
dc.titleThe radar cross section reduction of microstrip patch antennas for low-observable platformsen_ZA
dc.typeThesisen_ZA
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