Radar Cross Section Analysis of Long-range Artillery Engagement Debris Using Satellite Break-up Model

In this study, the radar cross section (RCS) of the engagement debris of long-range artillery was determined using satellite break-up models. First, the point-mass model of artillery debris was derived using three break-up models: 1) the cumulative number model of characteristic length, 2) area-to-mass ratio model, and 3) velocity increment model. To describe the dynamic behavior of debris over time, debris dynamics were developed to account for gravity and aerodynamic drag. For the RCS analysis, the point-mass model of the debris was configured as a square shape according to their characteristic lengths. We used the publicly available “POFACETS” program to calculate the RCS of the debris. This program can estimate the RCS of complex-shaped targets by decomposing them into small triangular facets. POFACETS uses the physical optics technique, which is faster than low-frequency methods, such as the method of moments. The RCS of long-range artillery debris over time was analyzed using numerical simulations.