Computation of Scattering from Bodies of Revolution Using an Entire-Domain Basis Implementation of the Moment Method

Research into improved calibration targets for measurement of radar cross-section has created a need for the ability to accurately compute the scattering from perfectly conducting bodies of revolution. Common computational techniques use Moment Method codes that employ subdomain basis functions to expand the unknown current density. This approach has its shortcomings. Large numbers of basis functions are required, and increasing the number of basis functions to improve accuracy after an initial computation requires re-computation of previous results and lost processing time. This research involves using basis functions that have as their domain the entire length of the surface. Entire-domain basis functions are better able to model the current density on a smooth surface. Fewer modes are required resulting in smaller matrix sizes. In addition, accuracy can be increased incrementally by adding entire-domain modes while retaining previously computed result saving significant computation time. Electric-field integral equations are developed and solved by an entire-domain implementation of the Moment Method for a perfectly conducting sphere. Comparison is made to the exact Mie series. Convergence in fewer modes is demonstrated over an equivalent application of subdomain pulses. Matrix fill time saves as much as hours over subdomain discretization