Analysis of vertical wire antenna above imperfect ground using discrete complex image method

A simple and almost exact image method is proposed for the analysis of vertical thin-wire antennas above lossy ground. This method is based on the replacement of the lossy half-space by a few complex images. The GPOF technique and Sommerfeld integral equation are used to find the location and intensity of the current images. Similar to dipole sources, a few proper image line sources are obtained for an original line source. The results obtained for the radiation pattern of this equivalent structure are found to practically coincide with the exact results (i.e. those obtained from the Sommerfeld theory). Compared to other methods of solution, this method is conceptually much simpler and requires less computing time.