Polynomial chaos expansion as a tool to quantify the quality of compact range antenna test chambers under uncertainty
Abstract
In compact range antenna measurement chambers, two of the most important quality criteria are the quiet-zone taper and ripple. The exact feed antenna position and orientation has an influence on these parameters. To quantify the effect of uncertainties in the feed antenna mounting, classical Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations are often not feasible, as they require a huge computational effort. This problem is solved by applying the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) to build a surrogate model of the system response. With given feed mounting uncertainties, the probability density function of quality criteria can be calculated from data obtained from much less full-wave simulations than would be necessary for a MC approach. This enabled the creation of a reliable statistical antenna measurement chamber qualification within a short amount of time.
