Modified diakoptic theory of antennas

Abstract

The diakoptic theory of antennas, suggested by Goubau, is an independent approach to the numerical analysis of multi-element antennas of complex configuration. Based on physical reasoning, the theory is designed to be amenable to efficient computer evaluation. However, as an intermediate step, the theory involves hypothetical current sources with one terminal only, which violate the current continuity condition, so that Maxwell's equations cannot be applied without precautions. Here, a modified version of the diakoptic theory is presented which avoids this complication by a simple change in the basic approach while otherwise it preserves most features of Goubau's original theory. In addition, the modified version starts with a well-established, rigorous impedance matrix formulation of the problem and allows one to readily establish the relationships with the method of moments. Thus, it may facilitate understanding the diakoptic method.