Higher-Order Finite Element-Moment Method Modeling Techniques for Conformal Antenna Applications

提出的研究的中心目标是开发一种新的、高效和精确的混合高阶计算电磁学（CEM）方法，用于共形天线的建模、分析和设计。共形天线具有重量轻、阻力小、成本低、不显眼、灵活性强等优点。提出了一种新的高阶有限元法和一种新的高阶矩量法，并将这两种方法混合成一种性能更强的高阶有限元-矩量法。建模技术将使用高阶几何阶的广义六面体有限元和广义四边形边界元，并结合高阶层次场/电流基函数。新的MoM将在自由空间或无界齐次介质中使用格林函数的曲面积分方程公式，从而避免使用并矢格林函数（对于正则几何）。新的FEM-MoM方法将能够对具有任意材料复杂性的腔背共形天线进行建模，这些天线与任意（规范和非规范）形状的平台共形，并且可能有材料覆盖。在项目的最后阶段，FEM-MoM将与物理光学（PO）方法相结合，这将使在非常大的平台上有效地建模共形天线成为可能。最后，采用新的FEM-MoM-PO方法对车载共形贴片和槽型腔背天线进行了分析。新模拟技术的实验验证将在马萨诸塞大学达特茅斯分校新建立的先进技术和制造中心（ATMC）内新建立的电信（天线）实验室进行。该提案的所有教育方面都与拟议的研究充分结合在一起。两名博士研究生将以研究助理的身份参与该项目的研究，为期三年。其他一些研究生和本科生将定期参与该项目，完成课程项目和研讨会。这项拟议的教育管理研究的结果将在项目的所有阶段广泛传播。由于共形天线在现代无线系统中具有重要的实际意义，因此在共形天线的建模和表征方面的应用也引起了广泛的兴趣。这项研究的结果很可能对其他研究人员在CEM以及其他科学和工程计算学科的研究中有用，无论是FEM还是MoM（或边界元法）应用。将尽一切可能努力扩大代表人数不足的群体对拟议活动的参与。

0324345NotarosThe central goal of the proposed research is the development of a new, highly efficient and accurate, hybrid higher-order computational electromagnetics (CEM) method for modeling, analysis, and design of conformal antennas. Conformal antennas have many advantages over traditional protruding antennas because of their low weight, low drag, low cost, unobtrusive nature, and great flexibility. A new higher-order finite element method (FEM) and a new higher-order method of moments (MoM) will be developed, and the two methods will be hybridized into a higher-order FEM-MoM method of great capabilities. The modeling techniques will use generalized hexahedral finite elements and generalized quadrilateral boundary elements of higher geometrical orders in conjunction with higher-order hierarchical field/current basis functions. The new MoM will employ the surface integral equation formulation using Green's functions for free-space or unbounded homogeneous media, thus avoiding use of the dyadic Green's function (for canonical geometries). The new FEM-MoM method will enable modeling of cavity-backed conformal antennas with arbitrary material complexities that are conformal to platforms of arbitrary (canonical and noncanonical) shapes and with possible material overlays. In the final stage of the project, FEM-MoM will be hybridized with the physical optics (PO) method, which will enable efficient modeling of conformal antennas on very large platforms. Finally, conformal patch and slot cavity-backed antennas on vehicles will be analyzed by the new FEM-MoM-PO method. Experimental validation of the new simulation techniques will be carried out in the newly established Telecommunications (Antenna) Laboratory within the new Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center (ATMC) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. All educational aspects of this proposal are fully integrated with the proposed research. Two Ph.D. graduate students will work on the project as research assistants supported by this proposed grant for three years. A number of other graduate and undergraduate students will be engaged in the project periodically, thorough course projects and seminars. The results of this proposed CEM research will be disseminated broadly, at all stages of the project. The application to modeling and characterization of conformal antennas is also of a broad interest, because of their great practical importance to modern wireless systems. It is likely that findings of this research will be useful to other researchers in their own endeavors in CEM, as well as in other computational disciplines of science and engineering, in both FEM and MoM (or boundary element method) applications. Every possible effort will be made to broaden the participation from underrepresented groups in the proposed activities.