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E9B11

ANTENNAS AND TRANSMISSION LINES · Antenna patterns and designs: azimuth and elevation patterns; gain as a function of pattern; antenna modeling

E9B11E9B →

What is a disadvantage of decreasing the number of wire segments in an antenna model below 10 segments per half-wavelength?

  1. AGround conductivity will not be accurately modeled
  2. BThe resulting design will favor radiation of harmonic energy
  3. CThe computed feed point impedance may be incorrect
  4. DThe antenna will become mechanically unstable
Why Method-of-moments programs like NEC approximate the continuous current distribution on a wire by a series of short straight segments, each carrying an assumed simple current. Accuracy depends on having enough segments to follow the sinusoidal current taper, and the accepted rule of thumb is at least 10 segments per half wavelength. With too few segments the current near the source is poorly represented, and since feed point impedance is computed from the voltage and current right at the source segment, the calculated R and X can be significantly off.
Watch out Ground modeling is a separate part of the calculation (the ground model and conductivity/dielectric values you enter), not a function of wire segmentation; harmonic radiation and mechanical strength are physical antenna properties a model does not determine at all.
Remember 10 segments per half wave; too few segments, and the number you can't trust is the feed point impedance.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
← E9B10 All of E9B

The rest of E9B

  1. E9B01 What is the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna radiation pattern shown in Figure E9-1?
  2. E9B02 What is the front-to-back ratio of the antenna radiation pattern shown in Figure E9-1?
  3. E9B03 What is the front-to-side ratio of the antenna radiation pattern shown in Figure E9-1?
  4. E9B04 What is the front-to-back ratio of the radiation pattern shown in Figure E92?
  5. E9B05 What type of antenna pattern is shown in Figure E9-2?
  6. E9B06 What is the elevation angle of peak response in the antenna radiation pattern shown in Figure E9-2?
  7. E9B07 What is the difference in radiated power between a lossless antenna with gain and an isotropic radiator drive…
  8. E9B08 What is the far field of an antenna?
  9. E9B09 What type of analysis is commonly used for modeling antennas?
  10. E9B10 What is the principle of a Method of Moments analysis?
  11. E9B11 What is a disadvantage of decreasing the number of wire segments in an antenna model below 10 segments per ha…
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