Small Antenna Design

CHAPTER 4

Introduction to Numerical Modeling of Wire Antennas

4.1 General Concepts

Before the 1970s, engineers used mathematical analysis of rather simple problems and experimental experience as guides to design. The enormous growth of computer power since that time has added a third stage to the processes of research, development, and design, numerical simulation. Now the basic sequence of any of these processes is (1) analysis of relatively simple models, (2) numerical solution of the equations describing the full complexity of the target device or system, and (3) experimental verification. This statement assumes that we know the equations needed; if we don’t, the problem is science, not engineering.

In stage (1), the models are approximate ...