A resistive sheet approximation for mesh reflector antennas

A simplified method of estimating the equivalent surface resistance of a reflecting mesh is presented. The equivalent resistance is obtained from the approximate mesh reflection coefficients, which are based on averaged boundary conditions. This resistance approximation allows an integral equation solution for the mesh reflector that is a simple extension of that for the perfectly conducting reflector. Paraboloid radiation patterns using physical optics in conjunction with the reflection coefficients are compared to an E-field integral equation solution for a resistive surface. The agreement is excellent for low to moderate resistance values, even in the sidelobe regions.< >