Analysis of a 17 element conformal array of stacked circular patch elements using an enhanced FDTD approach

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is frequently used to analyse the electromagnetic properties of complex structures. Although almost any structure can be analysed given sufficient computer resources, there is always a need for the development of novel algorithms to speed up the analysis of large structures, particularly when they contain curved material boundaries and edges. In this contribution, a large conformal antenna array of dual polarised, probe fed, stacked circular patch elements on a cylindrical surface is analysed. It is shown that the introduction of several enhancements to standard FDTD allows good agreement with measured results to be obtained with computer resources of at least an order of magnitude less than when using standard methods.