Mathematical Model for Real-Time Radar in 3D Maritime Environment

Abstract

Electromagnetic propagation has been a subject of interest, mostly in applied physics research and atmospheric physics over many decades. Contributions have been more towards theoretical development rather than experimental. With the advancement of radar and laser technology and regular use in achieving military related objectives, electromagnetic wave propagation has now become a matter of interest to computer scientists. Today s military services have faced challenges of maintaining financial stability of training activities. Thus most of them focus into computational simulators which can be used as a safe alternative in a cost beneficial manner. Considering field of military, radar simulators plays important role in simulations. This research focuses on simulating sea-born radar for 3D virtual maritime environment by considering real time aspect. Proposed approach takes the 3D environment as the input and maps the objects by studying electromagnetic wave properties, optical phenomena and material optical properties. It captures the surrounding objects and gives the 2D visualization of the 3D environment as the end result. Mathematical model considers both static and dynamic perception of the environment. In the static environment perception both radar and environment are considered to be stagnant while in dynamic perception objects in the maritime environment are in motion. This approach uses efficient techniques to achieve a 2D visualization of the 3D environment by embedding electromagnetic wave properties (optical phenomena) like reflection, refraction, polarization and attenuation in wave propagation. Operation of a real physical radar system has been further introduced into the mathematical model by incorporating optical properties for distinct materials observed in maritime environment. Mentioned optical phenomena have their proper context in application, once the interacting objects have proper and distinct optical properties. In fact, these optical properties of matter give rise to observed optical phenomena as electromagnetic waves interact with matter. Luster and index of refraction, author believes as key optical properties of matter in the context of a ray simulation, has been included in this model to proximate it to a real radar system. Several physical phenomena like Doppler frequency shift have being selectively incorporated in to model in order to capture the realistic behavior with accuracy of the system. Realism has been achieved in the model by employing optimization techniques and selective inclusion of optical phenomena, optical properties and physical phenomena. Ultimately, proper optimization, performance evaluation and productive expert user evaluation enhance and demonstrate the effectiveness of this research.