Design of Optimum Buried-Conductor RF Ground System

Abstract

From the design equations developed, a radial-conductor ground system may be constructed which will provide maximum power radiated per dollar of over-all cost. The fundamental equations are particularly applicable to any installation operating in the frequency range below 1,000 kc. A radial-conductor ground system based on the design parameters here presented will assure low-frequency antenna efficiencies of 50 per cent or better as compared to efficiencies of 25 per cent or less usually encountered in similar antennas without such a ground system. A technique for achieving optimum design of radial-conductor ground systems was developed. Curves were prepared which facilitate the determination of optimum spacing and length of the ground radials. A typical computation is included.