Using Optics To Make An Aircraft Invisible

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the feasibility of making aircraft invisible to microwave radar through anti-reflection coatings. Participants express skepticism about the practicality of this technology, referencing government aircraft that may utilize such capabilities. There is mention of the Fresnel coefficient for reflection as a potential concept to explore, but contributors struggle to find detailed explanations of radar-absorbing materials from an optics perspective. The conversation highlights a lack of accessible information on the subject, despite interest in the technology. Overall, the topic raises questions about the effectiveness and implementation of optical techniques in radar invisibility.
baltimorebest
Messages
73
Reaction score
0
Using Optics To Make An Aircraft "Invisible"

Homework Statement


Does it seem possible (or practical) to make airplanes invisible to microwave radar by applying some kind of anti-reflection coating?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure what to say for this. I want to say that it is possible because it seems as if the government has such aircrafts, but I can't seem to think of a reason why. I thought about using Fresnel coefficient for reflection, but I got stuck. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


baltimorebest said:

Homework Statement


Does it seem possible (or practical) to make airplanes invisible to microwave radar by applying some kind of anti-reflection coating?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure what to say for this. I want to say that it is possible because it seems as if the government has such aircrafts, but I can't seem to think of a reason why. I thought about using Fresnel coefficient for reflection, but I got stuck. Thanks.

I think you can just do some reading about "radar absorbing materials" to get some ideas...
 


Hmm I tried to do that, but I couldn't really find any detailed explanation (in terms of Optics) of how they worked. I just found some results about aircrafts that used the technology.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Weird question in "Vectors" chapter
Replies
6
Views
2K
A How should the optical diffraction field be solved?
Replies
8
Views
1K
Stealth aircraft coating thickness
Replies
1
Views
6K
Optical DIY Privacy Shades: Make Your Own IR-Blocking Sunglasses
Replies
1
Views
5K
I Image construction with concave and convex mirrors
Replies
4
Views
1K
Invisibility cloaking using 4 lenses
Replies
8
Views
2K
Extending an aircraft landing gear that has gotten stuck
Replies
18
Views
3K
Optical Coatings for Metal Mirrors in Optical Applications
Replies
3
Views
2K
How does graded-index material reduce pulse spreading in optical fibres?
Replies
5
Views
2K
An ambigious optical system with ambigious solutions [JEE Adv - 20`16]
Replies
19
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top