Numerical Optimization Techniques for Engineering Design: with Applications. G. N. Vanderplaats. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York. 1984. 333 pp. Illustrated. £31.75.

The investigation of the radar crosssection (RCS) of complex bodies is fundamental to the further development of advanced radar systems and the understanding of the characteristics of targets. It has been attempted both by measurement and by calculation, but the complexity of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and the objects of interest make either approach extremely difficult. This book addresses itself to the whole spectrum of experimental aspects of the subject, from measurement hardware to the handling of the data, and provides a comprehensive introduction to RCS measurements with numerous references to more detailed treatments in the literature. It was written originally for a course at Georgia Institute of Technology where most of the authors are members of staff. Their long practical experience in the field is constantly in evidence and a number of current state-ofthe-art systems illustrate the techniques described. The first six chapters present the general principles involved. After an historical introduction, the concept of RCS is introduced and the techniques of its measurement described. This tutorial section then progresses logically through the major aspects of the complete measurement process — calibration, data acquisition, (including the recording system) and data analysis. In addition, chapter 13 reviews the statistical properties of data and chapter 11 discusses the planning of a test programme. The remaining chapters cover a range of more specific topics, including bistatic measurements, far field and compact measurement ranges, scale models, reflectivity measurements of rain and fog, terrain and sea, angle measurement techniques and radiometry. The level of presentation assumes a basic understanding of electronic engineering principles including instrumentation and radar. This book will provide a useful reference to practising radar engineers seeking a deeper understanding of the problems of RCS measurement, but will be particularly valuable, as a firm grounding in practical radar reflectivity measurement, to those students who are entering this field for the first time. P. G. LEDERER