Capturing Atmospheric Effects on 3-D Millimeter Wave Radar Propagation Patterns
Abstract
The need to model millimeter wave (MMW) radar propagation is imperative to proper design of aeronautical, civil, and military systems. As radar advances into the MMW regime, atmospheric effects, such as attenuation and refraction, become more pronounced than at traditional radar wavelengths. The High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS), in combination with the Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) code, is a powerful tool for simulating laser propagation and effects tied to atmospheric phenomena such as turbulence and extinction. This research attempts to extend HELEEOS to characterize radar patterns in three dimensions as a signal propagates from an antenna through realistic atmospheres and weather conditions. Realistic atmospheres are derived using numerical weather prediction models or climatological databases. The results from these simulations are compared to those from traditional radar propagation software packages. In summary, this research explored adapting a laser propagation model to extend understanding of MMW propagation through various atmospheric and weather conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 24, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054463
Entities
People
- Richard D. Cook
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology