Multi-objective design optimization of antenna structures using sequential domain patching with automated patch size determination

ABSTRACT

In this article, a simple yet efficient and reliable technique for fully automated multi-objective design optimization of antenna structures using sequential domain patching (SDP) is discussed. The optimization procedure according to SDP is a two-step process: (i) obtaining the initial set of Pareto-optimal designs representing the best possible trade-offs between considered conflicting objectives, and (ii) Pareto set refinement for yielding the optimal designs at the high-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulation model level. For the sake of computational efficiency, the first step is realized at the level of a low-fidelity (coarse-discretization) EM model by sequential construction and relocation of small design space segments (patches) in order to create a path connecting the extreme Pareto front designs obtained beforehand. The second stage involves response correction techniques and local response surface approximation models constructed by reusing EM simulation data acquired in the first step. A major contribution of this work is an automated procedure for determining the patch dimensions. It allows for appropriate selection of the number of patches for each geometry variable so as to ensure reliability of the optimization process while maintaining its low cost. The importance of this procedure is demonstrated by comparing it with uniform patch dimensions.

KEYWORDS:

• Antenna design
• multi-objective optimization
• EM-driven design
• domain patching
• variable-fidelity simulations
• surrogate modeling

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Computer Simulation Technology AG, Darmstadt, Germany, for making CST Microwave Studio available.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS) Grant 1502034051, and by National Science Centre of Poland Grants 2013/11/B/ST7/04325 and 2015/17/B/ST6/01857.