A Platform for Antenna Optimization with Numerical Electromagnetics Code Incorporated with Genetic Algorithms

AFIT/GE/ENG/06-46 This thesis investigation presents a unique incorporation of the Method of Mo-ments with a Genetic Algorithm. The use of this tool can improve antennas whose basis of designs are both the Yagi-Uda antenna and the Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antenna. The applications for these two antennas are of particular use in Passive Remote Sensing (PRS) and Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR). The designs are reached in a low cost and effective manner, the implementation of which is simple and expandable. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used in concert with the Numerical Electromag-netics Code, Version 4 (NEC4) to create and optimize typical wire antenna designs including single elements and arrays, the result being antennas with impressive char-acteristics. Previous work in antenna optimization is documented and discussed as it re-lates to the current research. Design parameters for the antenna are defined an