Radar Cross Section Calculations of Traveling Surface Waves
Abstract
The traveling surface wave phenomenon, a significant echo mechanism for long, smooth bodies, manifests itself in the radar cross section (RCS) pattern of realistic targets for horizontal polarization and grazing angles of incidence. Existing radar cross section models do not take this scattering mechanism into account because none of the presently available theories and methods can treat traveling waves in routine fashion (see E.F. Knott, A progression of High-Frequency RCS prediction Techniques, Proc., IEEE, Vol. 73, No.2 pp.252-264(Feb 1985). Analytical radar cross section models for realistic targets should include this type of scattering in their calculations. This report presents a theory and an efficient method for calculating traveling surface wave contributions on a thin rod and an ogive of arbitrary length. Rectangular flat plate radiation patterns are also briefly considered. The details and necessary expressions for predicting RCS of plates will be given in a future report, where the approach will be extended to a more complex target. The theoretical approach presented here is based on the existing concepts of antenna theory and geometrical theory of diffraction. Radar cross section patterns that include traveling wave contributions for a rectangular flat plate and a rod of equal length are calculated and compared with measurements. The theoretical results and measured data show very good agreement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227032
Entities
People
- A. J. Stoyanov
- C. R. Schumacher
- Y. J. Stoyanov