Conditions to be Picked Up By Radar

  • Thread starter Messiri
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Radar
In summary: It has a lot of information on what objects are Radar detectable and what their RCS is. I suggest reading through it to get a better understanding of the subject:In summary, Radar can detect objects of various sizes and shapes, but they must have certain physical or chemical properties in order to be picked up. Non-metallic or organic substances will also be picked up, but their size and shape will affect how much energy is reflected.
  • #1
Messiri
9
0
What are the conditions that must be satisfied for an object to be picked up by radar?

For example, what size must objects be in order to be picked up? Do they need to have certain physical/chemical properties in order to be picked up? Can non-metallic or organic substances like humans be picked up?

Looking forward to hearing your answers.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
There is no easy answer to the question, but shape, size and material all matter.
 
  • #3
Messiri said:
What are the conditions that must be satisfied for an object to be picked up by radar?

For example, what size must objects be in order to be picked up? Do they need to have certain physical/chemical properties in order to be picked up? Can non-metallic or organic substances like humans be picked up?

Looking forward to hearing your answers.

The article at wikipedia.org is pretty detailed:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar

Read through that to see if it answers most of your questions. :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #4
Messiri said:
What are the conditions that must be satisfied for an object to be picked up by radar?

For example, what size must objects be in order to be picked up? Do they need to have certain physical/chemical properties in order to be picked up? Can non-metallic or organic substances like humans be picked up?

Looking forward to hearing your answers.

Human RCS links:
http://www.tytlabs.com/english/review/rev394epdf/e394_046yamada.pdf

Detailed report:
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/111111111/27421/1/lbna25762enn.pdf
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #5
When describing Radar Targets, it's common to quote their Radar Cross Section in terms of the equivalent size of metal sphere. Even a skinny, thin piece of wire has an equivalent cross section which is much greater than its physical area. Basically, anything that disturbs the waves will reflect some energy. Objects that conduct tend to reflect well because currents are induced in them and these currents re-radiate waves out in all directions. People have very finite conductivity and a measurable dielectric constant so they will scatter Radar.
I found this link, which may be of interest.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person

1. What is radar and how does it work?

Radar stands for "radio detection and ranging" and it is a system that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects in the atmosphere. It works by sending out a radio wave signal and then analyzing the reflected signals from objects in its path.

2. What are the conditions required for an object to be picked up by radar?

The main conditions for an object to be picked up by radar are its size, shape, and material. Generally, larger objects with a smooth surface reflect more radar signals and are easier to detect. Additionally, objects made of metal or other conductive materials are more likely to be picked up by radar.

3. Can radar detect all types of objects?

No, radar is limited in its ability to detect certain types of objects. It is not able to detect objects that are too small or too far away, as well as objects that have irregular shapes or are made of materials that do not reflect radar signals well.

4. How does weather affect radar detection?

Weather conditions such as precipitation, cloud cover, and turbulence can affect the accuracy of radar detection. For example, heavy rain or snow can interfere with radar signals and make it difficult to detect objects in the atmosphere.

5. Can radar be used for purposes other than detecting objects in the atmosphere?

Yes, radar has a wide range of applications including air traffic control, weather forecasting, and military defense. It can also be used for mapping and navigation, ground surveillance, and even medical imaging.

Similar threads

I Geometric Point of View of sets
    • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
13
Views
969
Cell Phone Tower Communication: How Does it Work?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K
Can any object cause fluctuations in a magnetic field?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
10
Views
1K
Calculating Damage: The Physics Behind Throwing Water in a Game
    • New Member Introductions
Replies
2
Views
53
What and how to study for a pure maths education at university?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
22
Views
932
"Ground" and "Center Tapped" Power Transformer Secondary in guitar amp
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
949
I could really use some help picking my optional module [GameDev]
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
881
A Ballentine on Diffraction Scattering
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Relationship between paramagnetic fields and distance
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top