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Measurement of the Radar Cross Section of a Man

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F. V. SCHULTZ, R. C. BURGENER, S. KING · 1958

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Human bodies reflect radar energy differently across frequencies, revealing complex EMF interactions beyond simple absorption measurements.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1958 study measured how much radar energy the human body reflects back at five different frequencies, from 410 to 9375 megacycles. Researchers found that a 200-pound, six-foot man reflected between 0.033 to 2.33 square meters of radar cross-section depending on frequency, body position, and wave polarization. The measurements showed radar reflection varies significantly with frequency and how the person is positioned relative to the radar beam.

Why This Matters

This foundational radar research reveals something crucial about human EMF interaction that's often overlooked today. The science demonstrates that our bodies don't just absorb electromagnetic energy - we also reflect it back, and this reflection varies dramatically based on frequency and body position. What this means for you is that EMF exposure isn't simply about absorption rates (SAR values) that regulators focus on. The reality is our bodies interact with electromagnetic fields in complex ways that change based on the specific frequency and how we're positioned relative to the source. This 1958 military research laid groundwork for understanding human-EMF interaction that remains relevant as we're surrounded by an ever-increasing variety of wireless frequencies from WiFi, cell towers, and smart devices.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
F. V. SCHULTZ, R. C. BURGENER, S. KING (1958). Measurement of the Radar Cross Section of a Man.
Show BibTeX
@article{measurement_of_the_radar_cross_section_of_a_man_g6873,
  author = {F. V. SCHULTZ and R. C. BURGENER and S. KING},
  title = {Measurement of the Radar Cross Section of a Man},
  year = {1958},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers tested five frequencies: 410, 1120, 2800, 4300, and 9375 megacycles. These covered a wide range from lower UHF through microwave frequencies, providing comprehensive data on how human bodies interact with different radar wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum.
A 200-pound, six-foot man reflected between 0.033 to 2.33 square meters of radar cross-section depending on frequency and position. The lowest reflection occurred at 410 megacycles, while higher frequencies generally showed increased but variable reflection patterns based on body orientation.
Yes, body position significantly affected radar reflection. The study tested various 'aspects' or directions the person faced relative to the radar beam. Different orientations produced dramatically different cross-section values at each frequency, showing position matters for EMF interaction.
The researchers found radar cross-section appears approximately proportional to body weight based on limited testing with different sized nets. This suggests larger people may interact differently with electromagnetic fields, though more research would be needed to confirm this relationship.
Monostatic measures reflection back to the same antenna that transmitted, while bistatic measures reflection to a different receiving antenna. This 1958 study measured both types, providing comprehensive data on how human bodies scatter electromagnetic energy in different directions.