Comparison Of Integral Equation Predictions And Experimental Backscatter Measurements From Random Conducting Rough Surfaces

Abstract

The scattering behavior from randomly rough surface targets has been analyzed by comparing the predictions of an integral equation model for surface scattering (Li and Fung, PIERS' 89, pg. 144) to experimental data. This model has also been checked by numerical simulation (Chen and Chen, IGARSS' 89, pg.1300). Experimental data was taken for the purpose of the comparison of trends and levels of scattering strength versus frequency, incidence angle, and polarization. The surface parameters chosen will allow comparison in the low frequency region, the intermediate frequency region, and into the physical optics limit. Two of the targets were constructed by a numerically controlled mill to produce surfaces with predefined statistical characteristics. The third target is a two scale surface, constructed by hammering an aluminum plate. The statistics for this surface were compiled after the construction.