An extrapolation technique for predicting the radiation pattern of antennas and arrays located on large structures

Despite the tremendous progress in numerical techniques for solving the problems of radiation and scattering from antennas located on large structures, the challenges remain formidable for all but small-to-moderately-large bodies. A table is given which illustrates this point by providing an estimate of the number of unknowns that need to be handled for deriving the radiation pattern of one or more slots on a finite cylinder of radius r and length L (similar estimates are valid for microstrip patch antennas located on the cylinder as well). We introduce an extrapolation technique, and combine it with the reciprocity approach, for predicting the radiation patterns of antennas located on large structures. The procedure is outlined.