Radar backscattering from partially coated targets with axial symmetry

An experimental and theoretical study is reported on the polarization scattering properties of various radar targets with sizes in the resonance region. The targets have totally dielectric, totally conducting, or a combination of dielectric and metallic surfaces. A formulation of the scattering problem in terms of the equivalent currents on the surface of the scatterer is used, leading to surface integral equations which are solved using method of moments. This numerical approach is flexible, as it can be used to handle targets of various sizes and shapes that cannot be treated easily using other methods. Measurements of the backscattering polarization matrix on the same targets are performed at circular polarization. Both amplitude and relative phase measurements are performed. Reasonably good agreement between the numerical calculations and the experimental data is obtained. The numerical and experimental procedures are described. Results on the polarization scattering properties of selected targets are shown and discussed