Forward Scattering at Grazing Incidence on Flat Plates

Two formulas are evaluated for predicting forward scattering from conducting plates illuminated at grazing incidence with vertical polarization. Radar cross section depends upon the product of area and height. Versatility is demonstrated for infinitely thin circular, rectangular and triangular flat plates. Predictions are compared with numerical results from the method of moments for objects between 2 and 32 wavelengths on a side. Accuracy depends upon the form factor of the plate (ratio of height-to-width). The formulas provide very good agreement provided the form factor is close to one or greater. However, the accuracy of the formulas degrades as the form factor becomes much less than one.