Investigation of target-support interactions for foam column supports

As radar cross section (RCS) measurement systems improve, measurement contamination due to interactions between the target and support structure become significant. Attempts have been made to reduce the effects of target-support interactions; however, these attempts are frequently based on perceived, rather than confirmed, understanding of the causes of the contamination. The Environmental Research Institute of Michigan has begun a basic research effort into the fundamental causes and effects of target-support interactions. The study will consider target-support interactions which arise with foam column, string, and pylon target support systems. The study consists of a well-balanced combination of theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies to formulate, evaluate, and validate electromagnetic models for the interactions.<>