Includes bibliographies. / xix, [252] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This research addresses probe fed classical rectangular microstrip antenna elements and arrays, that are fabricated on substrate materials with various thicknesses and relative permittivities. Formulae are developed for calculating the patch dimensions, the resonant input resistance, the resonant frequency, the bandwidth and the radiation patterns of elements, as well as the mutual coupling coefficients of arrays. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1996