Modeling Shield in HFSS

Hi,
I'm trying to simulate a thick metal shield with a cut-out for a patch antenna in HFSSv10. I want to ground the metal shield. I want to know which would be the right way to ground the metal casing

1) To assign a Infinite ground plane to the Metal shield with cut-out??? OR
2) To connect ground vias to the Metal Shield to the ground plane??

I've also attached my HFSS model. Please let me know if I'm heading in the right direction or if there is a better way to do it.

Thanks.

How will it be done in reality?

Hi,
Well. In reality it is a thick metal sheet enclosure with a cut-out just above the patch antenna. I have the choice of using any appropriate means to ground the metal enclosure. Which would be the best way to do it for simulation???

Thanks,
-Prakash

Build the 3D model so it mirrirs your enclosure and antenna. You will probably want to surround the model with an air box and radiation boundary. I suspect that an infinite ground is not what you want.

Thanks for your suggestions. I believe the better way would be to connect ground pins/vias from the shield to the ground. This would not only ground the shielding but provide mechanical support.

What is your opinion.

The objective is usually to produce hardware (vs. a simulation). I would try to simulate something as close to your desired hardware as you can. Vias are one way to go and may be fine.

It may be tedious to draw a large number of vias. Soldering a metall9c sheet and box would be easier to draw. Depending on your application via density can also be a factor.