Overcoming Challenges in RCS Measurements using a High Order Basis Function Method of Moments Technique

Author: Vince Rodriguez
Publication: Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance
Copyright Owner: NSI-MI Technologies

To measure Radar Cross Section (RCS), special structures have been created to support the target under test (TUT). Some of these structures are based on having a low dielectric property, close to air, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) columns[3]. Baggett and Thomas[3] discuss some of the drawbacks of the foam column as a support. The foam columns have a limited weight that they can support while maintaining a permittivity that is close to air. As higher density foams are used to support higher loads, the permittivity of the expanded polystyrene increases. It was shown that the RCS of the Styrofoam column increased from -40dBsm (dB related to a square meter) at 2 GHz to levels in the -21dBsm at the upper end of the K band[3]. The column measured by Baggett and Thomas could support TUTs of up to 22.68 kg (50 lbs).

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