Reflection properties of a mesh with Schottky impedances at the contact-points

In many space applications for reflector antennas, the reflector is made of flexible, conducting mesh material. The wires used to construct the grids are plated over with highly conducting materials such as gold or silver. Oxidation causes a particular problem at the contact points of the wire mesh. The authors´ analysis of the impedance changes at the contact points as a function of polarization, frequency, gold plating thickness, and angle of wave incidence predicts drastic changes in the reflection properties from such mesh structures. Computations are made for different types of bonding impedance. A comparison of these results with other calculations is shown and discussed.<>