Pattern analysis of conformal array based on geometric algebra

Abstract

In this study, a general and systematic method for three-dimensional pattern analysis of arbitrary conformal arrays is presented; this analysis is based on the mathematical framework of geometric algebra and considers both directional and polarised element patterns. A compact representation of the conformal array pattern is presented. Aside from being simpler and more direct than other derivations in the literature, this derivation is also entirely general in that it expresses the transformations in terms of rotors that can easily be formulated for any arbitrary conformal array geometry. Analysing conformal arrays using geometric algebra is simpler than the traditional Euler rotation angles and matrix representations. As well as presenting the new derivation and comparing it with conventional methods, the authors also present simulation results on cylindrical and conical arrays to illustrate the practicality and conciseness of the proposed method.