The uniform theory of diffraction (UTD) is
formulated for modelling electrically extremely large structures. The UTD is an asymptotic high-frequency numerical method similar to the
PO.
Users typically attempt a solution with the MoM, and when
they realise that the structure is electrically too large to solve with their available resources
(platform memory and time), they turn to the MLFMM. If the
required resources are still too large, the PO, UTD or ray launching geometrical optics (RL-GO) can be used.
Feko hybridises the current-based accurate MoM with the UTD. Bidirectional
coupling between the MoM and UTD is maintained in the solution (through modification of the
interaction matrix) to ensure accuracy. Frequency does not affect the memory resources required
for solving a structure with UTD, given that only points of
reflection from surfaces and diffraction from edges or corners are considered without meshing the
structure.
Figure 1. UTD modelling of cross-coupling on the superstructure
of a modern naval vessel.
Multiple reflections, edge and corner diffraction, double diffraction and creeping waves is
taken into account. Insight into the propagation of rays are provided in POSTFEKO during post-processing. Currently, the numerical formulation of
the UTD only allows it to be applied to flat polygonal plates
with minimum edge lengths in the order of a wavelength. A single cylinder can be included in the
model. The UTD is well suited to the analysis of ships at
radar frequencies but less appropriate for analysing complex objects with curved surfaces (such
as automobiles).
Figure 2. Analysis of the transmission patterns of an X-band radar mounted on a ship.
