Re: need help with ray tracing

On Apr 23, 2:06 am, pereges <Brol...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hello

I'm a computer science student and I am doing a project where I need
to calculate the radar cross section of an 3D object.  I have to use
the ray tracing approach. So far I'm able to read the object from the
geometrical specifications given and store it in appropriate data
structures.

But now  I am having problem in generating the rays given the
location of the source. I have to generate parallel rays(plane waves)
which hit the object I cannot figure out a way to do this ? Can any
one please give me some idea ? Is there some optical equation involved
which I can use ? Also, I am calculating energy as E = h * f and
attenuating it by 1/r ^2 depending on distance travelled. IS this a
right approach ?

The easiest book to understand and read regarding ray tracing (in my
opinion) is "applied optics and optical design" by A E Conrady,
written (I think) back in the 1930s. Get a copy out of the library
and read the section on ray tracing. It is refreshingly well written
and the methods are the same as the ones used today. (The whole book
makes wonderful reading.)

This book was written when ray tracing was performed using mechanical
calculators. You can ignore (for computing purposes) the
constructions that were required back then to ensure accuracy. You
will find much more than you need in this book but it will contain the
equations you do need.

Regarding radiometry, the equations to use depend on your system
geometry. But in general, power falls off as the inverse square law.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: need help with ray tracing
    ... I'm a computer science student and I am doing a project where I need ... The easiest book to understand and read regarding ray tracing (in my ... power falls off as the inverse square law. ...
    (sci.optics)
  • need help with ray tracing
    ... I'm a computer science student and I am doing a project where I need ... to calculate the radar cross section of an 3D object. ... the ray tracing approach. ... geometrical specifications given and store it in appropriate data ...
    (sci.optics)