Radar Cross Section Modelling and Analysis of Static and Dynamic Targets using MATLAB

Abstract

Radar Cross Section (RCS) is an important characteristic of the electromagnetic system for target detection. This study presents detailed modelling of Radar Cross Section (RCS) of static simple objects like sphere, cylinder, triangular plate, circular flat plate, truncated cone and complex objects using MATLAB Radar toolbox. The RCS modelling of simple objects is also done with MATLAB POFACET GUI 4.3 and the results are compared with MATLAB Radar tool box. The RCS of complex objects are vectorially added in MATLAB and modelled in this work. Modelling includes 1. A cylinder with a circular flat plate on both ends 2. A circular cylinder with ellipsoid at front end 3. A truncated cone (frustum) with circular plates at both ends 4. The half ellipsoid with a frustum and the flat plate. The simulation and comparison of the RCS variations in dBsm with respect to aspect angle for parameters such as size and frequency of the simple and complex objects have been carried out in this work. RCS of a complex object with dynamic characteristics is also analysed using the Chi-square probability density function. ’The scope of this paper is limited to the objects with deterministic shapes and the combined objects using those shapes. The detailed experimental study on the sphere shows that RCS remains the constant in all directions for sphere. The study also highlights the RCS return is maximum at 180 degrees when the cylinder is aligned horizontally with the RADAR and minimum RCS is obtained at 90 degrees and 270 degrees. In the case of ellipsoid, the RCS is maximum at 90 degrees and 270 degree and minimum at 180 degrees. For the triangular flat plate, the RCS is maximum at 0 degree and 180 degrees and minimum at 90 degrees. For the truncated cone the RCS has maximum and minimum values at aspect angles of zero degrees and 80 degrees. The model of the frustrum with flat plate at both ends provides maximum RCS due to the frustrum and minimum due to flat plate and the normal incidence occurs at 73.3008 degrees. The Swerling models for the fluctuating RCS are also analysed in detail which will be used to measure RCS of high-speed debris revolving around the earth's surface by the radar in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).