Radar cross section computational techniques

The status of numerical techniques for radar signature prediction, including an approximate, asymptotic method for solving Maxwell´s equations for incident radiation of small wavelengths as well as two numerically exact methods based on solving Maxwell´s equations in the partial differential and integral forms, are discussed. Particular attention is given to the finite-volume, time-domain approach for solving Maxwell´s equations numerically in the differential form and to the adaptive integral method designed for solving Maxwell´s equations. The methods discussed are being developed into a powerful detail design tool. Although the present analytical and numerical techniques as well as computer architectures limit their practical use to small-size objects, they hold great promise for simulating a complete aircraft configuration within a timeframe of several computing hours.<>