Analysis of finite antenna arrays composed of finite length shielded disk-on-rod structures

The problem of accurate prediction of radiation characteristics of microwave planar finite antenna arrays composed of finite length cylindrical shielded disk-on-rod structures fed by the H/sub 11/ mode is considered. The solution is based on an integral equation and Green's function approach and takes into account the mutual coupling between arbitrary propagating and evanescent eigenmodes in the array elements. It is shown that predicted and measured radiation characteristics of the designed 9-element array are in good agreement. Thus, the developed algorithm and computing code have a considerable potential in design of finite antenna arrays comprising circularly symmetric radiating elements viz circular waveguides, conical and profiled horns, coaxial waveguides and horns, disk-on-rod structures in circular waveguides, disk-on-cones, etc.