Prediction and validation of electromagnetic performance of curved radar-absorbing structures based on equivalent circuit model and ray tracking method

Abstract In this study, an equivalent circuit model and ray tracking method were used to predict the electromagnetic characteristics of curved radar-absorbing structures (RASs) applied with a frequency selective surface (FSS). After performing an electromagnetic analysis of FSS using a unit cell model, an equivalent circuit model reflecting the characteristics of the FSS was constructed. The equivalent circuit model of the FSS was applied to an equivalent circuit model for the RAS to evaluate the absorption performance as a function of the curvature and incident angle. Electromagnetic characteristics of the curvature structure were predicted by estimating the path of the electromagnetic wave using the ray tracking method. The calculated results were compared with the experimental results using free space measurements. Through this study, it was possible to estimate an equivalent circuit model reflecting the electromagnetic characteristics of the RAS with respect to the incident angle and curvature of the FSS. In addition, the electromagnetic performance of the entire curved structure was evaluated using the ray tracking method.