Abstract:
Periodic structures, such as electromagnetic band gap (EBG) or Metamaterial structures, are of increasing interest in antenna design. Typically, these periodic structures are modeled as infinite structures, by using symmetry planes (or perfect E and H planes) in an EM simulator. However, if one wishes to simulate a finite structure in order to investigate coupling or edge effects, the problem can quickly become very memory and time intensive. This paper presents a methodology using the FEKO simulation tool, that will enable the investigation of coupling and finite size structures, which is applicable to any radiating or reflecting structure which has closely spaced elements. In particular, this paper examines an artificial magnetic conductor metamaterial, which has element spacing on the order of a tenth of a wavelength.