Achieving RCS reduction via scattering and absorption mechanisms using a chessboard structured composite

Abstract

Based on the concept of periodic structural unit, a chessboard structured composite composed of quartz fiber and carbon fiber is proposed in this study for reducing radar cross section (RCS). An automated manufacture technique – stitching was applied in the unit construction, showing the great potential on mass production and low cost. The design of RCS reduction adopts the cooperative mechanisms of absorption and scattering. The results show that the RCS reduction of chessboard structured composite is below −10dB in the range of 8.9–15.1 GHz, and the peak value of the RCS reduction can reach −23dB. By simulating the different unit parameters of chessboard regions, the optimal parameters are obtained. Region 0 and region 1 present different energy distributions and a phase difference of 180° ± 78°, which is an important reason for the scattering mechanism of chessboard structured composite. To further explore the mechanisms of scattering and absorption, the electric field, magnetic field and power loss of the two regions at the absorption peak are simulated. According to the absorption energy distribution, it can be inferred that impedance matching plays an important role in the absorption mechanism. Moreover, the oblique incidence test and simulation prove the good angular stability of chessboard structured composite. The good mechanical properties of chessboard structured composite demonstrate the great potential of structure-function integration. Furthermore, the mass production capacity of the proposed composite gives the broad prospects in practical engineering application.