Effects of changing RCS and Antenna Array pattern Radar performance

Abstract

Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) is totally a matter of technology and engineering with immense practical consequences. Because of radar, astronomers can map the contours of far-off planets, physicians can see images of internal organs, meteorologists can measure rain falling in distant places, air travel is hundreds of times safer than travel by road. Due to its reasonably larger practical applications, the mono-static pulse radar system is the main focus of our thesis. The main goal of this thesis was to carry out a detail study of the basic nature of the monostatic pulse radar system with an aim to find out its performance under changing radar cross section and antenna configurations. In this regard, various radar parameters were taken into consideration, their effects on radar performance were simulated and best option was identified. Thereafter, the significant affect of shape changes of elementary static target cross sections were studied with a small introduction to complex target RCS. The significance of operating frequency and aspect angle on radar detection range has also been illustrated. The effect of earth and atmosphere on the wave propagation has been calculated in order to provide a reliable prediction method under the adverse atmospheric effects. An elaborate and exhaustive effort is taken to examine various antenna patterns to suggest the best possible array antenna configuration for better radar performance. In this regard, various correlated mathematical equations were taken into consideration; those were simulated using MATLAB to provide relevant plots for study. The extensive use of this tool has made the thesis extremely interesting with valuable results drawing important conclusions about the behavior of radar under changing conditions.