Antenna Structure Design

Abstract

In some examples, a method is provided for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the method comprising: receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining a number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometry for the antenna array, the geometry comprising an array shape and dimensions; and receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining a geometry of the radome, the geometry comprising a shape and dimensions of the radome. The method includes dividing the geometric shape into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometric and topological cells; determining, for each cell in the first set of discrete geometric and topological cells, an angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a respective antenna element of the antenna array for each scan angle of interest, wherein the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation for a cell defines a distribution for that cell; assigning each cell to a zone of a set of zones of the radome based on the cell's distribution; generating an insertion loss measure for each zone; and selecting a structural configuration for the zone using the zone's corresponding insertion loss measure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna structure, and more specifically, to the design and evaluation of an antenna structure comprising an antenna array and a radome design, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] A radar system generally comprises an antenna array housed behind or inside an antenna cover or radome designed to protect the antenna array from environmental and / or situational conditions. For example, a platform such as an aircraft can utilize a streamlined radome for a scanning radar antenna for both environmental protection and aerodynamic stability.

[0003] In addition to meeting the mechanical and physical requirements of prevalent radar applications, the radome must provide a certain level of electrical performance. Generally speaking, this involves an iterative process in which the materials and shapes specified by the environmental and platform stability requirements are modified in consideration of the requirements that form the basis for radar performance. The aim is generally to provide a radome with low attenuation of radar signals and small variations in the apparent angle of arrival.

[0004] Generally, the design of a radar structure comprising an antenna array and a radome is a time-consuming and complex process due to the interaction between the various parts of the system. Although some aspects can be automated, the initial design, evaluation, and modification are typically carried out through the intervention of skilled engineers using specially developed applications that require a long runtime to derive a solution.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for generating a measure for insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome that defines a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the instructions being executable by a processor of a system, whereby the system receives a first input comprising a first set of parameters that define the number and relative positions of antenna elements for an antenna array, thereby defining a geometry for the antenna array, the geometry comprising an array shape and dimensions, and receives a second input comprising a second set of parameters that define the geometry of the radome, the geometry comprising the shape and dimensions of the radome, divides the geometry of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometric and topological cells, determines, for each cell in the first set of discrete geometric and topological cells, an angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each respective antenna element of the antenna array for each scanning angle of interest, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for the cell, assigns each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution of the cell, generates a measure of insertion loss for each zone, and selects a structural configuration of the zone using the corresponding measure of insertion loss of the zone.

[0006] In one implementation of the first aspect, the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium can further comprise instructions for generating data representing a first order flash lobe pattern for an antenna structure. The storage medium generates data representing a grating lobe pattern of an antenna array using a first set of parameters, and using the grating lobe pattern, can further comprise instructions for calculating a measure of a radiation pattern incident on a radome by determining positions of grating lobes and a main lobe of the grating lobe pattern. The storage medium can further comprise instructions for receiving data representing a set of requirement definitions for an antenna structure, comprising a range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals from the radome and aspect information defining one or more of a range of elevation and azimuth angles to be adhered to by the range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals. The storage medium can further comprise instructions for allocating materials to a wall build of a zone and calculating a measure of insertion loss of a flat panel sample of the zone based on the allocated wall build.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome that defines a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the method comprising receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions; receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising the shape and dimensions of the radome; dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells; for each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining an angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each respective antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for the cell; based on the distribution of the cells, assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome; generating a measure of insertion loss for each zone; and using the corresponding measure of insertion loss of the zones to select a structural configuration of the insertion loss of the zones.

[0008] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method can further comprise generating data representing a first flash lobe pattern for the antenna structure. The method can further comprise generating data representing a grating lobe pattern of the antenna array using a first set of parameters, and calculating a measure of the radiation pattern incident on the radome by determining the positions of the grating lobes and the main lobes of the grating lobe pattern using the grating lobe pattern. The method can further comprise receiving data representing a set of requirements definitions for the antenna structure, comprising a range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals from the radome, and aspect information defining one or more of a range of elevation and azimuth angles that the range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals should comply with. The method can further comprise assigning a material to the zone and calculating a measure of the insertion loss of the zone based on the assigned material.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the apparatus receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions, and receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising the shape and dimensions of the radome, dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, for each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining an angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each respective antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for the cell, assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution of the cells, generating a measure of insertion loss for each zone, and selecting a structural configuration of the zone using the corresponding measure of insertion loss of the zone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

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[0011] The exemplary embodiments are described in detail below to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that the embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0012] Accordingly, the embodiments may be modified in various ways and may assume various alternative forms. Specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail hereinafter. There is no intention to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the exemplary embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and the detailed description, where appropriate.

[0013] The terms used herein to describe the embodiments are not intended to be limiting. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent, but the use of the singular in this document should not exclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, an element referred to in the singular may include one or more in number unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and / or "including" define the presence of the stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein should be construed as is customary in the relevant technical field. Terms in common usage should also be construed as is customary in the relevant technical field and will be further understood not to be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0015] An antenna structure comprising an antenna array housed within a radome or otherwise provided is typically designed based on a compromise between the desired electrical characteristics and the structural characteristics of the structure. For structural reasons, a radome is required in both airborne radars where the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft is important and ground radars where the antenna array must be protected from the weather and wind loads. For ideal electrical performance, the beam of the radar antenna should not be affected at all by the radome. The design and evaluation of the antenna structure can take several months to execute and often involve a team of skilled engineers, and an iterative process between the initial and final designs of both the antenna array and the radome is carried out to meet both electrical and structural metrics. With regard to concept development, the long time frame associated with design and evaluation can be problematic, and often engineers will use their best judgment in the design of the antenna structure.

[0016] According to one example, a method for the design and analysis of an antenna structure comprising an antenna array and radome design is provided. This method shortens the time taken for the design and analysis of an installed antenna structure and enables rapid updating of design choices in response to results such as measures of insertion loss. For example, a radome reflects a certain power and absorbs a certain power. Reflection and absorption result in transmission loss, or insertion loss, or loss of gain.

[0017] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an example. In block 101, a requirement definition of an antenna structure is provided. In one example, the requirement definition 101 can comprise data defining, for example, an objective function for the optimization of the dome wall. For example, a set of frequency ranges required for the dome to transmit and reflect signals and / or the aspect (e.g., a combination of elevation and azimuth angles) with the most stringent performance requirements can be defined. In block 104, a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of the antenna elements of the antenna array is provided, thereby defining the geometric shape of the antenna array 103. In block 106, a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape 105 of the dome can be provided, the geometric shape comprising the shape and dimensions of the dome.

[0018] Based on the first set of parameters, a representation of the antenna array 103 can be generated. In one example, the representation can be presented to the user using a display device of a device configured to receive user input for modifying the representation of the antenna array 103. For example, the user can provide the first set of parameters to a computing device comprising a display and an input device. The representation of the antenna device can be generated or rendered using the first set of parameters, and the representation can be modified via adjustment of the first set of parameters and / or using the input device to change aspects of the representation of the antenna array in real time. For example, at least one of the size, shape, number, and relative position of the antenna elements of the antenna array can be modified.

[0019] In block 107, the geometry and / or requirement definition 101 of the antenna array 103 can be used to optimize the layup or wall structure of the geometry 105 of the radome. That is, for example, one or more materials and / or composite structures can be selected for the radome and / or a part thereof. Different regions of the radome can have different materials and / or composite structures.

[0020] In one example, the geometry of the radome can be modified to ensure that the antenna array 103 is properly accommodated and that the antenna elements are not covered or outside of the radome itself. In block 109, a measure of the insertion loss of the radome is calculated, which can be used to generate a measure of the flash lobe 110. In block 111, data representing the Bragg and grating lobes of the antenna structure are calculated. The insertion loss of the radome from block 109 and the data from blocks 110 and 111 provide a set of results 113 that can be used to evaluate the antenna structure. In one example, the requirement definition 101 can be used to evaluate the performance of an antenna structure comprising a combination of the antenna array 103 and the radome.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for generating an antenna array according to an example. As described above, the first set 201 of parameters is used to define an antenna array including an array shape and dimensions, a periodic (or irregular) grid of antenna elements. The parameter 201 is used in block 203 to define an array amplitude taper and orientation. For example, the orientation and position of the antenna array can be defined in the same way as the tapering of the amplitudes of the elements of the antenna array in block 215 to provide data representing the geometric shape and amplitude of the array. In blocks 205 and 207, for example, the geometric properties of the antenna array that define the relative positions of the antenna elements are used to calculate data representing the Bragg lobes and the antenna grating lobes. The antenna grating lobe data of block 205 can be used in block 213 to determine the primary array performance, while the Bragg lobe data can be used in block 209 to determine the primary array radar cross section and in block 211 to determine data representing point scatterers for use with other tools.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for generating a radome according to an example. A second set 301 of parameters defining the geometrical characteristics of the radome is provided by a user, for example, according to the desired size and shape of the radome. The geometrical shape and amplitude of the array from block 215 are used together with the geometrical shape of the radome to determine a set of zones of the radome in block 303. In one example, the geometrical shape of the radome is divided into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells. In one example, the radome can be divided into a plurality of meshes, each having a different number and / or arrangement of cells. According to one example, for each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from each antenna element of the antenna array is determined. The angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation for a cell defines the distribution for that cell. That is, for the cells of the radome mesh, the angle of incidence of the signal radiated from the elements of the antenna array is determined. This provides, for each cell, a plurality of such angles of incidence across the elements of the antenna array. These angles of incidence form the distribution for the cell in question. Based on the distribution of the cells, each cell can be assigned to one zone of the set of zones of the radome.

[0023] In one example, a cell can be assigned to a zone in one of two ways. In one example, a radome can be "sliced" or vertically divided into multiple sections. The cells can then be assigned to zones based on which of these slices they fall into. In another example, the distribution of the incident angles experienced by each cell (based on the required range of the antenna scanning angle) can be calculated. An optimizer can then be used to assign the cells to zones (where a predetermined number exists). According to one example, the purpose of the optimizer is to minimize the standard deviation of the distribution of the incident angles in each zone (i.e., the combination of the distributions for each cell in a given zone). The initial assignment provided to the optimizer can have cells assigned, for example, by their central incident angles (i.e., the first zone can comprise cells having a median value between 0° and 10°, the second zone can comprise cells having a median value between 10° and 20°, and so on), which provides a reasonable approximation to the optimal value. At the end of the optimization, the maximum incident angle of one zone may be less than the minimum value of another zone. However, it is the standard deviation that is important, not the range.

[0024] For ogival radomes, the first method is often a reasonable approximation to the results from the second method. Following the zone assignment, the area of the radome can be separated into additional zones for structural reasons. For example, cells within a small (specified) distance of the nose tip can be assigned to a new zone (ignoring their previous assignment, even if it was done by the optimizer), and its wall structure can then be defined according to structural requirements rather than electromagnetic requirements.

[0025] In block 305, the dome wall structure definition can be determined. In one example, the insertion loss of each zone can be calculated based on a default material, such as a dielectric material or another material or composite structure, with which the dome can be constructed. For example, the zone can be configured to include, for example, a half-wavelength monolithic or optimized C sandwich material, or even a frequency selective surface. The selection of the material for each zone can be modified. The measure of the insertion loss of the zone can be determined using the selected structural configuration with the selected or modified material or composite structure.

[0026] Thus, the dome can be divided into a plurality of zones, each of which can have a different wall structure. In this way, it is possible for each zone to have an angle of incidence distribution that is narrower than that of the dome as a whole.

[0027] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, apparatuses, and systems according to examples of the present disclosure. The illustrated flowcharts may indicate a particular order of execution, but the order of execution may be different from that shown. Blocks described in connection with one flowchart may be combined with blocks of another flowchart. In some examples, some blocks of the flowchart may not be essential and / or additional blocks may be added. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and / or diagrams in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by machine-readable instructions.

[0028] Machine-readable instructions can be executed by a machine such as, for example, a general-purpose computer, a smart device, such as a user device like a smartphone, a dedicated computer, an embedded processor, or a processor of other programmable data processing devices for implementing the functions described in this specification and the figures. In particular, a processor or processing device can execute the machine-readable instructions. Thus, a module of the device (e.g., a module implementing a controller) can be implemented by a processor that executes machine-readable instructions stored in a memory, or a processor that operates according to instructions incorporated in a logic circuit. The term "processor" should be interpreted broadly to include, for example, a CPU, a processing unit, an ASIC, a logic unit, or a programmable gate set. The method and the module can all be executed by a single processor or can be divided among several processors.

[0029] Such machine-readable instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage device that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific mode. For example, the instructions can be provided on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example device. In the example of Figure 4, device 400 includes a processor 403 and a memory 405 that stores instructions 407 executable by processor 403.

[0031] Apparatus 400 can include a storage device 409 that can be used to store data such as at least one of a first set of parameters, a second set of parameters, requirement definitions, user inputs, material information, zone information, cell-zone mappings, and insertion loss metrics. Instructions 407 executable by a processor 403 can cause the apparatus 400 to generate a measure of the insertion loss of an antenna structure including a radome that defines a cavity for receiving an antenna array. Thus, apparatus 400 can implement the methods as described above.

[0032] Such machine-readable instructions can be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing device, whereby the computer or other programmable data processing device executes a series of operations to create a process implemented in the computer, and thus, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide operations for realizing the functions specified by the flow(s) in the flowchart and / or block(s) in the block diagram.

[0033] Furthermore, the teachings of this specification can be implemented in the form of a computer or software product such as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, and the computer software or product includes a plurality of instructions, e.g., machine-readable instructions, stored in the storage medium and for causing a computer device to implement the methods described in the examples of this disclosure.

[0034] In some examples, some methods can be executed in a cloud computing or network-based environment. A cloud computing environment can provide various services and applications over the Internet. These cloud-based services (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, etc.) can be accessible, for example, through a web browser or other remote interface of the user device 300. The various functions described herein can be provided through a remote desktop environment or any other cloud-based computing environment.

[0035] Although various embodiments are described and / or illustrated herein in the context of a fully functional computing system, one or more of these exemplary embodiments can be distributed as various forms of program products regardless of the particular type of computer-readable storage medium used to actually execute the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using software modules that perform specific tasks. These software modules can include scripts, batches, or other executable files that can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or within a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules can configure a computing system to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, one or more of the modules described herein can transform data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another.

[0036] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make the best use of the various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to any exact form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. When determining the scope of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents. The following matters described in the claims of the original application are appended as they are. [C1] A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, said instructions being executable by a processor of a system, whereby the system is caused to, receive a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, said geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions, receive a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, said geometric shape comprising a radome shape and dimensions, divide the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, for each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determine the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each respective antenna element of the antenna array for each scan angle of interest, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for a cell defining a distribution for that cell, assign each cell to a zone within a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution for the cell, generate a measure of the insertion loss for each zone, select a structural configuration for the zone using the corresponding measure of insertion loss for the zone, A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that causes the above to be performed. [C2] The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to C1, further comprising instructions for generating data representing a primary flash lobe pattern for the antenna structure. [C3] Generate data representing a grating lobe pattern for the antenna array using the first set of parameters, Calculate a measure of the radiation pattern incident on the radome by determining the positions of the grating lobes and main lobes of the grating lobe pattern using the grating lobe pattern. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to any one of C1 or 2, further comprising instructions for doing so. [C4] Receive data representing a set of requirement definitions for the antenna structure, comprising a frequency range for transmission and reflection of signals from the radome, and aspect information defining one or more of the elevation and azimuth ranges within which the frequency range for signal transmission and reflection should be adhered to The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to any one of C1 to C3, further comprising instructions for [C5] Assign a material to the wall structure of the zone Calculate a measure of the insertion loss of the flat panel sample of the zone based on the assigned wall structure The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to any one of C1 to C4, further comprising instructions for [C6] A method for generating a measure of the insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the method comprising Receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions Receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising a radome shape and dimensions Dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells For each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for that cell Assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution for the cell Generating a measure of the insertion loss for each zone Selecting a structural configuration for the zone using the corresponding measure of the insertion loss for the zone A method comprising [C7] Generating data representing a primary flash lobe pattern for the antenna structure The method according to C6, further comprising [C8] Generating data representing a grating lobe pattern for the antenna array using the first set of parameters Calculating a measure of a radiation pattern incident on the radome by using the grating lobe pattern to determine the positions of grating lobes and main lobes of the grating lobe pattern The method according to C6 or 7, further comprising this. [C9] Receiving data representing a set of requirement definitions for the antenna structure, the data comprising a range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals from the radome and aspect information defining one or more of a range of elevation angles and a range of azimuth angles that the range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals should comply with The method according to any one of C6 to 8, further comprising this. [C10] Assigning a material to a zone Calculating a measure of the insertion loss of the zone based on the assigned material The method according to any one of C6 to 9, further comprising this. [C11] An apparatus for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the apparatus comprising Receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions Receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising a radome shape and dimensions Dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells For each cell in the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining an angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for that cell Assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution for the cell Generating a measure of the insertion loss for each zone Selecting a structural configuration of the zone using the corresponding measure of the insertion loss of the zone An apparatus configured to perform this

Claims

1. A non - transitory machine - readable storage medium storing instructions for generating a measure of insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome that defines a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the instructions being executable by a processor of a system, whereby the system is caused to, receive a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions, receive a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising a radome shape and dimensions, divide the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, for each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determine the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each respective antenna element of the antenna array for each scanning angle of interest, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for a cell defining a distribution for that cell, assign each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution for the cell, generate a measure of the insertion loss for each zone, select a material for the zone using the corresponding measure of the insertion loss for the zone, A non - transitory machine - readable storage medium that causes the above to be performed.

2. The non - transitory machine - readable storage medium of claim 1, further comprising instructions for generating data representing a primary flash lobe pattern for the antenna structure.

3. generate data representing a grating lobe pattern for the antenna array using the first set of parameters, calculate a measure of the radiation pattern incident on the radome by determining the positions of the grating lobes and main lobes of the grating lobe pattern using the grating lobe pattern, The non - transitory machine - readable storage medium of claim 1, further comprising instructions for the above.

4. Receive data representing a set of requirement definitions for the antenna structure, including the frequency range for signal transmission and reflection from the radome and aspect information defining one or more of the elevation and azimuth ranges that the frequency range for signal transmission and reflection should comply with The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 1, further comprising instructions for

5. Assign a material to the wall structure of the zone Calculate a measure of the insertion loss of the flat panel sample of the zone based on the assigned wall structure The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 1, further comprising instructions for

6. A method for generating a measure of the insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the method comprising Receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions Receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising the shape and dimensions of the radome Dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells For each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for that cell Based on the distribution for the cell, assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome Generating a measure of the insertion loss for each zone Selecting a material for the zone using the corresponding measure of the insertion loss of the zone Comprising a method

7. Generating data representing the primary flash lobe pattern for the antenna structure The method according to claim 6, further comprising

8. Using the first set of parameters to generate data representing a grating lobe pattern for the antenna array Calculating the measure of the radiation pattern incident on the radome by determining the positions of the grating lobes and main lobes of the grating lobe pattern using the grating lobe pattern The method according to claim 6, further comprising.

9. Receiving data representing a set of requirement definitions for the antenna structure, the data comprising a range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals from the radome and aspect information defining one or more of a range of elevation and azimuth angles that the range of frequencies for transmission and reflection of signals should comply with The method according to claim 6, further comprising.

10. Assigning a material to a zone Calculating a measure of the insertion loss of the zone based on the assigned material The method according to claim 6, further comprising.

11. An apparatus for generating a measure of the insertion loss of an antenna structure comprising a radome defining a cavity for receiving an antenna array, the apparatus comprising: Receiving a first input comprising a first set of parameters defining the number and relative positions of antenna elements for the antenna array, thereby defining a geometric shape for the antenna array, the geometric shape comprising an array shape and dimensions; Receiving a second input comprising a second set of parameters defining the geometric shape of the radome, the geometric shape comprising the shape and dimensions of the radome; Dividing the geometric shape of the radome into a mesh comprising a first set of discrete geometries and topological cells; For each cell within the first set of discrete geometries and topological cells, determining the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each antenna element of the antenna array, the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation for the cell defining a distribution for the cell; Assigning each cell to a zone among a set of zones of the radome based on the distribution for the cell; Generating a measure of the insertion loss for each zone; Selecting a material for the zone using the corresponding measure of the insertion loss of the zone; An apparatus configured to perform.

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