Building electromagnetic macro models for small structures on aircraft — Characterising and modelling joints, seams, and apertures

This paper describes a methodology for the construction of macro models of small structures used in large-scale simulations for aircraft electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and certification. The methodology aims to provide macro-model parameters using field transformation of data obtained from detailed simulation or measurement of the feature of interest. This paper concentrates on the measurement of the electromagnetic behavior of features. A novel, absorber box, measurement technique for slots and joints is described and results are presented for measured field distribution in the vicinity of simple slots and gaps. Computer simulations are also shown as comparison to the measurement results.