Impact of 3D Model Simplifications on the Determination of Numerical Accuracy of the Radar Cross-Section Values

Method of Moments (MoM) is one of the most useful approaches for Radar Cross-Section (RCS) simulation, allowing i.e. the computation of the scattering from 3D models of real objects. However, it is limited by computer memory and computation time. In this paper, the authors explore the question of the balance between the possible acceptable level of 3D model simplification and the time benefit associated with a decrease in computational overhead due to the reduction of the model geometry complexity. A volume-based spatial RCS characteristics quality index is proposed. The authors present the results of the calculations performed for perfectly conducted sphere 3D models with varying levels of geometry simplification for which a simple analytical solution exists. Furthermore, the results of the computations performed for a generic missile model set are shown.