Estimation of pattern degradation due to mutual coupling and edge effect in finite array

In this paper a large phased array with more than 1000 elements has been considered for concept validation. Measured mutual coupling of 64 elements in 8×8 configuration is used in method of auxiliary source and finite array scheme. Since mutual coupling of elements alters the excitation of individual radiator in phased scanning array which degrades radiation performance and sometimes become responsible for scan blindness. Mutual coupling data of realized array has been used for estimation which results into 5%-10% degradation in peak SLL. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis methodology to model mutual coupling and array edge effect to estimate degradation in radiation performance.