4.4 Radar Cross Section
Instructor: Dr. John Shaeffer - Marietta Scientific
Thursday April 25, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Abstract
This tutorial will cover the following radar cross section (RCS) topics: An Overview of Stealth; RCS Scattering Mechanisms; RCS Prediction Methods; and RCS Scattering Center Visualization.
An Overview of Stealth includes a top-level description of the basic approaches to stealth design and considerations starting with the notion of threat sectors. The four basic approaches to RCS reduction will be reviewed with emphasis on shaping.
RCS Scattering Mechanism will highlight the physical processes by which incident electromagnetic energy is re-radiated. Included will be consideration of scattering centers using a visual approach. Scattering mechanisms to be discussed include: specular, multiple bounce, end region returns (which are responsible for pattern side lobes), edge diffraction, surface traveling/edge/creeping waves, and surface imperfection scattering.
RCS Prediction Methods will overview some of the basic approaches used to compute mono- and bistatic scattering. Topics for consideration include Physical Optics and Physical Theory of Diffraction for large targets and Method of Moments (MOM) codes for moderate sized targets.
RCS Scattering Center Visualization includes image animations of scattering centers from measured and computed data. The bistatic k-space imaging approach for analytical computations without a frequency sweep will be reviewed.
Bio
Dr. John Shaeffer earned his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Physics. He is a Principal Scientist and one of the founders of Marietta Scientific, Inc. He is a co-author of Radar Cross Section and has developed a three-day "Design Oriented Radar Cross Section" short course. For several years, he was an Engineering Program Manager for Low Observables at the Lockheed-Georgia Possum Works. He has specialized in visualization and method of moment codes for scattering applications.
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