Scattering from Thin and Finite Dielectric Cylinders and the Effect of Mutual Coupling between Two Such Bodies

This paper investigates the radar cross section (RCS) characteristics of thin and finite dielectric cylinders which represent pine needles and the mutual coupling between two needles for various geometries. Cylinders with various sizes and permittivities were examined at 5 and 10 GHz. Single needle RCS results showed a more directive pattern with more sidelobes at 10 GHz than at 5 GHz. Larger cylinder radius and permittivity increased the RCS value. Comparison of these results with results from other models showed very good agreement. The variation of mutual coupling with spacing for two parallel needles is a damped oscillaltion with a period equal to the wavelength for two parallel needles. When in echelon the mutual coupling monotinically decreases. In all cases the mutual coupling is insignificant. The RCS pattern of a small branch with 56 needles for two different needle distribution was also calculated and the variation in distribution of the needles was significant in their RCS patterns