Question
What is a disadvantage of decreasing the number of wire segments in an antenna model below 10 segments per half-wavelength?
Answer Options
- A) Ground conductivity will not be accurately modeled
- B) The resulting design will favor radiation of harmonic energy
- C) The computed feed point impedance may be incorrect
- D) The antenna will become mechanically unstable
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
The accuracy of an antenna model based on the Method of Moments (MoM) depends critically on how well the model approximates the continuous structure of the real wire antenna. This approximation is achieved by dividing the antenna into numerous small, discrete segments.
The widely accepted rule of thumb is that there should be at least 10 segments per half-wavelength of wire. The primary disadvantage of decreasing the number of segments below this threshold is that the computed feed point impedance may be incorrect. This is because too few segments fail to accurately model the rapid change in current near the feed point, leading to unreliable predictions of resistance and reactance.
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