Characterization of radar cross section of carbon fiber composite materials

Elliot J. Riley; Erik H. Lenzing; Ram M. Narayanan

doi:10.1117/12.2176750

21 May 2015 Characterization of radar cross section of carbon fiber composite materials

Elliot J. Riley, Erik H. Lenzing, Ram M. Narayanan

Proceedings Volume 9461, Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI; 946103 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176750
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Carbon fiber composite (CFC) materials have been used for many structural applications for decades. Their electromagnetic properties are also of great interest and are being quantified by recent research. This research explores shielding effectiveness, antenna design, conductivity, reflection, and absorption properties. The work in this paper specifically characterizes the radar cross section (RCS) of CFC structures. Various CFC planar samples were created using a wet layup method and vacuum bagging techniques. These samples were then placed in an anechoic chamber and their RCS values were measured at normal incidence. These measured values were compared to those of aluminum samples made into the same shape as the CFC samples. All of the measurements were made over 7 - 12 GHz frequency range. The RCS of the CFC samples show some interesting results. The fiber direction in the CFC samples had great influence on the RCS. Theories and reasoning for the results are presented and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Elliot J. Riley, Erik H. Lenzing, and Ram M. Narayanan "Characterization of radar cross section of carbon fiber composite materials", Proc. SPIE 9461, Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI, 946103 (21 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176750

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available