Estimation of boundary value processes applied to shape determination of a circular antenna from observations on the boundary
R.P. Leland · 2002
An estimation algorithm for shape determination of a circular antenna is described. A space-based antenna would require light-weight materials, making it difficult to place sensors in the interior of the antenna. Hence, sensors on the outer rim are considered. Due to its rapid dynamics, the antenna achieves an equilibrium shape quickly. Therefore, static models for the antenna shape are considered. The antenna deformations are modeled as elliptic stochastic partial differential equations (PDEs) with boundary conditions that describe a noncausal system. A smoothing algorithm is developed for antenna shape estimation using a homogenized antenna model, described by a single PDE. Approximate Green functions used in the smoother are calculated, and digital simulation methods can be applied.>