Reduction of the radar cross section of a wind turbine using a microwave absorbing material

Abstract

Wind turbines are devices which usually have a large surface area. The combination of effects related to the large surface area and properties of the materials used in their construction can make a wind turbine an important reflector of radar waves, which may interfere with the proper operation of civilian and military radars. There are several possible methods to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of a wind turbine; here we simulated the effects of a composite microwave absorbent material that can be used to coat or as structural elements of the wind turbine. This material can absorb up to 95% of the energy of the incident wave. Simulations were carried out at 10 GHz (X-band). The use of the absorbent material can significantly reduce the RCS of the wind turbine. The simulations also indicated which parts of the wind turbine contribute more to the reflection of radar waves.