Radar absorption materials (RAM) are designed to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of objects by absorbing electromagnetic radiation emitted by radar systems rather than reflecting it. These materials are composed of a composite or layered structure that includes a combination of materials with specific electromagnetic properties. Typically, RAMs consist of a matrix material embedded with conductive elements such as carbon fibers, metal particles, or ferrite particles.
The conductive elements dissipate radar energy by converting it to heat, thereby reducing the amount of radar energy that is reflected back to the radar receiver.
New advances in radar absorption materials focus on improving their effectiveness across a wider range of radar frequencies and environmental conditions. Modern RAMs are designed to be lightweight, durable, and efficient over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths.
Researchers continue to explore new materials and composite structures that provide enhanced absorption capabilities while maintaining practicality in terms of manufacturing, cost and operational sustainability. These advances are crucial for applications in stealth technology, aerospace, military operations and civilian radar systems.
Stealth materials, also called stealth coatings or stealth composites, are specialized materials used to minimize the radar reflection of an object and thus reduce its detectability by radar systems.
These materials are typically composed of RAM combined with other technologies such as shape optimization and radar-absorbing geometries. Stealth materials often incorporate layers of radar absorption materials and radar reflective materials to achieve a balance between absorption and camouflage against different radar frequencies. Stealth material composition can vary depending on specific application requirements, whether for military aircraft, naval vessels or ground-based radar systems
