Computer Simulation for the Design of Radar Absorbing Material (RAM)

Radar absorbing material (RAM) is a critical technology component that significantly impacts the strategic military capability of virtually all branches of the United States armed forces. It is used for anechoic chamber design as well as for theelectromagnetic radar cross-section (RCS) reduction of diverse vehicular platforms as well as for the stealthy integration of strategic antenna apertures for communications, weapons guidance, radar and diverse electronic warfare functionalities. Theadvancing development of this technology is clearly important for maintaining the military superiority of the U.S. forces. Powerful electromagnetic simulation is a principal enabling technology to this end. Assessing the technical viability of anEM-simulation capability with sufficient computational power, geometric material modeling generality and application interface robustness to propel the development of new and innovative RAM technologies for next generation anechoic chamber design is theprinciple program goal of this proposed SBIR research. AOE presents a unique and innovative EM simulation-based software application concept that addresses this issue from several key perspectives, including formulation selection, computational scope,efficiency, application software and 'use model' design. The design of a powerful EM simulation application that enables the design development of both standard as well as advanced technology radar absorbing materials useful for anechoic chamber design.This same basic concept will lay the groundwork for a revolutionary general purpose, commercial EM simulation application offering unprecedented computational power at a fraction of the currently imposed cost.