A simple approximation of the Maliuzhinets function for describing wedge diffraction

Abstract

A new approximation of the Maliuzhinets function /spl psi//sub /spl Phi//(/spl alpha/) by a single cosine function is proposed. This is the simplest approximation of the function available in the literature. The use of the cosine approximation permits representing fields scattered by nonmetallic wedges in terms of elementary functions only. The accuracy of the approximation, as applied to the case of an impedance wedge under normal illumination, is estimated both analytically and numerically.