Method of Edge Waves in the Physical Theory of Diffraction

Abstract : The diffraction of plane electromagnetic waves by ideally conducting bodies, the surface of which have discontinuities, is investigated in the report. The linear dimensions of the bodies are assumed to be large in comparison with the wavelength. The method developed takes into account the perturbation of the field in the vicinity of the surface discontinuity and allows one to substantially refine the approximations of geometric and physical optics. Expressions are found for the fringing field in the distant zone. A numerical calculation is performed of the scattering characteristics, and a comparison is made with the results of rigorous theory and with experiments.