RF radiation hazard analysis at Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center

On-site high power radiation is an essential component of the active-array transmit-channel testing and antenna burn-in. Computer modeling is well-suited to approximate near-field and far-field power densities of microwave radiation around antenna arrays. Because of safety considerations involving such emissions, an accurate representation of RF field strengths at critical locations was needed. The investigators used the MATLAB programming language to model the radiation field characteristics and RF power densities. Results from the computer-models, an essential part of this hazard analysis, were used to assess the risks the safety hazards presented. Two methods were used to generate power density models. The first, an exact theoretical approach, modeled the radiating elements as simple electric dipoles. The second was a simplified approach using estimates of the element pattern.<>