Optimization of a Patch Antenna by Genetic Algorithms and a Hybrid FEM/RBCI Method

The paper describes an efficient technique for optimizing the shape of the patch of a multi-band antenna by means of genetic algorithms and a hybrid finite element - robin boundary condition iteration method, for the analysis of open-boundary scattering and radiation electromagnetic field problems. The admissible rectangular patch area is logically and regularly subdivided into rectangular sub-areas, coinciding with the trace of the tetrahedral edge element mesh on the patch surface. In this way the relevant matrices of the finite element algebraic system, computed at the beginning of the optimization, remain unchanged, even if the patch is changed by inserting some metallic sub-areas. Moreover, in order to reduce the computing time of the iterative solver, the solution to a similar patch configuration is used as the initial guess for the solver