The effect of target model facetization on RCS predictions

The authors present the effects of 3-D model facetization on the radar signature predicted by Xpatch, a radar signature prediction code that provides both frequency-domain radar cross section predictions and time-domain results for a flat faceted triangular geometry file. Predictions were compared against exact and measured data for two primitives and one complex target. By changing the level of flat facetization on the same geometry file, the signature prediction can vary dramatically. The test results show that a higher number of facets gives a better prediction, but this comes at the expense of CPU time. Since faster run times are desired, care must be taken in building the geometry files to strike a balance between speed and accuracy.<>