Forward Establishment of Bistatic Component-Level Attributed Scattering Center Model for Complex Targets

This article proposes a forward method to establish the bistatic attributed scattering center (BASC) model for general complex targets. The BASC models constructed forward are exactly what downstream users expect, being able to accurately and concisely describe the bistatic scattering characteristics of complex targets, while also providing the clarity on physical formation process and carrying detailed target information. We first use a spatial ray clustering technique to effectively separate the bistatic scattering sources at component level. Then, we establish the parametric attributed model for bistatic scattering center, based on the quantitative forward analysis and derivation of electromagnetic-wave–target interaction process. The 3-D position is calculated according to the uniqueness, determinism, and the principle of equal optical path. From physical causes and conditions, the distribution length of BASC is given directly. The frequency dependence is rapidly determined by characterizing the distribution of specular points, thereby avoiding the burden of surface fitting for complex shapes. Finally, as the accuracy test of the proposed method, the model-predicted responses are shown to agree with the results obtained from validated high-frequency simulations. In addition, the characteristic differences in bistatic scattering centers detected from the multiple receive platforms in different directions are discussed.