The average backscattering cross section of clouds of randomized resonant dipoles

The average backscattering cross section of clouds of linear metallic dipoles of resonant length and random orientation is investigated. The effects of mutual coupling among dipoles is included in the analysis by use of computer techniques currently available or being developed. Average backscattering cross sections are Presented for random clouds containing up to 200 dipoles with average spacings from
0.5\lambda
to
2.0\lambda
. Results show that coupling is insignificant at the largest spacings but causes a 2-3-dB degradation in average echo area at the smallest spacings.