Polygonal plate modeling of realistic structures

The effectiveness of method of moments (MM) surface patch modeling for describing realistic structures is demonstrated, as is a technique for analyzing the intersection of several plates or patches. Surface patch MM models consider perfectly conducting surfaces, thus allowing computerized studies of hundreds of modes in terms of a small number of plates. An electric field formulation applicable to both closed and open surfaces is employed with a scale model or drawing of an aircraft structure. Plates intersecting along edges involve continuity of the normal component of current at the juncture. Overlap modes are defined that permit current to flow from one plate to another but do not permit linear dependencies between the modes. Examples are given for radar cross sections of the 747, the Concorde and a rocket and verified with reference to an available data base.