H. L. Sneha

This book presents a detailed and systematic analytical treatment of scattering by an arbitrary dipole array configuration with unequal-length dipoles, different inter-element spacing and load impedance. It provides a physical interpretation of the scattering phenomena within the phased array system. The antenna radar cross section (RCS) depends on the field scattered by the antenna towards the receiver. It has two components, viz. structural RCS and antenna mode RCS. The latter component dominates the former, especially if the antenna is mounted on a low observable platform. The reduction in the scattering due to the presence of antennas on the surface is one of the concerns towards stealth technology. In order to achieve this objective, a detailed and accurate analysis of antenna mode scattering is required. In practical phased array, one cannot ignore the finite dimensions of antenna elements, coupling effect and the role of feed network while estimating the antenna RCS. This book presents the RCS estimation of an array with unequal-length dipoles. The signal reflections within the antenna system and the mutual coupling effect are considered to arrive at the total RCS for series and parallel feed. The computations are valid for any arbitrary array configurations, including side-by-side arrangement, parallel-in-echelon, etc.

This book presents the detailed analytical formulation for the RCS of parallel-fed linear dipole array in the presence of mutual coupling. The radar cross section (RCS) of an object represents its electromagnetic (EM) scattering properties for a given incident wave. The analysis of scattered field is critical in military and defence arenas, especially while designing low-observable platforms. It is well-known that the presence of an antenna/array on the target influences its echo area significantly. The primary cause for such scattering of the incident signals is reflection that occurs within the antenna aperture and its feed network. In this book, the RCS estimation is done based on the signal path within the antenna system. The scattered field is expressed in terms of array design parameters including the reflection and transmission coefficients. The computed results show the variation in the RCS pattern with and without mutual coupling. The effect of finite dipole-length, inter-element spacing, scan angle, array configuration, amplitude distribution and terminating load impedance on the RCS pattern is studied. It is shown that the array RCS can be controlled by choosing optimum design parameters, including terminating impedance and geometric configuration. This book explains each step of the RCS estimation and analysis of dipole array with detailed schematics, tables and illustrations. Moreover, it includes parametric analysis of RCS estimation and control. This book provides an insight into the phenomenon of scattering within the phased array system.