A basic question concerning Dipole elements. I apologize for my ignorance, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

As I understand it: A dipole element is cut to 1/2 wave length of a desired frequency.

Question: Why?

Background: Im studying Chaff and why it works as a Radar Jammer. I know that chaff is made of many strips of dipole elements cut to 1/2 of the wavelength of the target "victims" radar frequency. This allows the reflected RF to present itself on the "victims" radar scope.

Why 1/2? Why not the full wavelength? What would would happen if it was cut to the full wavelength instead of 1/2? I think the reason is that the dipole element would not reflect if cut to the full wavelength...but I dont know why.

Any help...?

God Bless,
-S4C

I would suggest that you download the EZNEC demo and give it a try.

Looked at the program mentioned....

hmmm....I am not an expert in this field...far from it. I looked at the EZNEC and im not sure what I could learn from it. Pretty obvious by the question I originally asked, I am not an expert.

I am currently studying Chaff, and needed a little more information on how it works. Specifically, why the dipole elements are cut to 1/2 the wavelength of the victims RADAR frequency...and not to the full wavelength.

I stumbled across this website while searching for information. I figured what a great place to ask the question...a forum used by "professionals" in the RF field of study.

Again, I respectfully ask for any "laymans" help on the question asked.

God Bless,
-S4C

A 1/2-wavelength dipole resonates at a specific frequency, depending on its physical dimensions (primarily length if the aspect ratio is high). Therefore, it is very efficient at reflecting an incident signal at the resonant frequency of the dipole.

Integer 1/2-wavelengths probably work as well, but waste storage space and add weight. I recall reading somewhere that less than a pound of well-designed and deployed aluminum chaff can reflect a signal equivalent to a large bomber (same radar cross-section, or RCS).

There has got to be lots of information for you to reference on the web. I suggest trying a Google Search.


- Kirt Blattenberger

Thank you for your reply Sir!

When you say "integer 1/2 wavelengths", does this mean the same as "full wavelength" (as opposed to 1/2) ?

I have done many Google searches...in fact that is how I found this fine website and forum

I understand your reply to say:

When dealing with Chaff, a dipole cut to the full wavelength of a victims RADAR freq will have the same effect as a dipole cut to 1/2 the wavelength. 1/2 wavelengths are then used to save space and/or weight.

Thank you for your time and your patience...
-S4C

Your interpretation of my comments is correct.

Integer multiples of 1/2 wavelength are as follows:

1 * 1/2-wavelength = 1/2 wavelength
2 * 1/2-wavelength = 2/2 = 1 wavelength
3 * 1/2-wavelength = 3/2 = 1-1/2 wavelengths
4 * 1/2-wavelength = 4/2 = 2 wavelengths

...and so on.


- Kirt Blattenberger

Thanks again for your reply. It is very helpful!

-S4C