A semi-analytical expression for the RCS of a frustum-shaped foam target support structure

Within radar cross-section measurement ranges polymeric foam columns are often used for the positioning of radar targets since they have a low radar cross-section. Although the shape of such dielectric structures can be optimized using electromagnetic simulation software, an analytical expression for their radar cross-section is useful for general design rules. Therefore an expression for the monostatic radar cross-section of a dielectric frustum is derived throughout this paper. This expression is discussed in detail and compared to results from an electromagnetic simulation software. The comparison shows that the expression is a useful low-frequency approximation for the estimation of the radar cross-section of dielectric frusta.