K7ITM wrote:
But to
invoke "velocity factor" assumes something about the solution which may
well lead you away from the correct explanation.

For the feedpoint impedance to be purely resistive, i.e.
resonant, for a standing wave antenna, the reflected wave
must get back into phase with the forward wave. Velocity
factor is a way of explaining how/why that happens. The
diameter of the conductor no doubt appears in the VF
equation.
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp