A method-of-moments-based algorithm to synthesize a conformal onboard array antenna

The design of low-sidelobe radiation patterns for array antennas mounted over aircrafts, ships. or any other complex platform is performed here. Both the electromagnetic coupling with the platform and the mutual coupling between the array elements are considered, and their effects are introduced in a novel synthesis algorithm. This is done by using a method-of-moments-based algorithm for three-dimensional scatters combined with an optimization procedure. Thr proposed method leads to a set of excitation coefficients that optimize the conformal array antenna over the vehicular platform. Some results are presented to demonstrate that high-performance radiation patterns can be synthesized. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.