Special Section on Computational

Electromagnetics for Large Antenna Arrays

A Review of Finite Array

Modeling via Finite-Element-
R.W. Kindt
and Integral-Equation-Based K. Sertel
J.L. Volakis
Decomposition Methods
Abstract for the engineer intending to design finite antenna arrays,
these tools are best suited for general-purpose design, and
are not optimized for modeling array-type structures. While
There are many techniques available for the design
one can make the argument that general-purpose codes are
and analysis offinite array structures. For the reader trying
more robust than those specialized for solving a particular
to decide what computational method is best suited for the
type of problem, i.e., finite arrays, it is also true that a
array-design problem at hand, this article will help claritY
generalized approach is simply not as fast or as efficient
what factors are important in receiving an expedient and
for tackling a specific type of problem. Specialized design
accurate answer. Without getting too technical or exhaustive,
tools for modeling finite arrays can be fast, efficient, and
this article details some of the relevant aspects of existing
arguably just as robust as the general-purpose tools if the
computational electromagnetic techniques, explaining some
techniques reduce to a generalized approach in the limiting
advantages and disadvantages of less-accurate methods
case of a single array element.
compared to the most-accurate methods. This partial review
covers several options for finite array design, including
Many engineers are not aware that sophisticated and
approximate methods based on infinite array analysis,
mature tools exist for the accurate analysis offinite array
brute-force generalized approaches, moderately accurate
structures. The purpose of this article is to describe some
FEM-based (Finite-Element-Method-based) decomposition
of these array tools, using simpler language intended for
techniques, and concludes with a review of efficient and
a wider audience. This partial review begins with a look
rigorous integral-equation-based methods. Finite array
at computational electromagnetic techniques for various
methods based on integral-equation formulations, while the
types ofarrays based on either finite-element formulations,
most computationally intense, achieve the most accurate
integral-equation formulations, oracombination ofthe two.
solutions available. When formulated to specifically address
Without getting too technical, this article explains some of
finite array problems, these techniques can be highly efficient
the advantages and disadvantages ofthe various techniques,
without compromising generality.
with details on their capabilities and limitations. Several
options for finite array design are covered, including simple
1. Introduction approximate methods (based on infinite array analysis),
brute-force generalized approaches, and moderately
accurate Finite-Element-Method-based decomposition
There are many commercial software packages on
techniques. It concludes with a review of highly efficient
the market for computational electromagnetic (CEM)
and rigorous integral-equation-basedmethods, ideal for the
simulation (e.g., HFSS, FEKO, CST, TlCRA). However,
analysis of finite arrays. Although these integral-equation-

R. W Kindt is with the Naval Research Laboratory, 4555

Overlook Ave. SJIV, Washington, DC 20375 USA; e-mail:
rick.kindt@nrl.navy.mi!.K. Sertel andJ. 1. Volakis are with
the ElectroScience Lab, The Ohio State University, 1320
Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212 USA; e-mail: serte!.1@
osu. edu, volakis.1@osu.edu.

12 The Radio Science Bulletin No 336 (March 2011)