An Analytical Study of Radar Returns in the Presence of a Rough Sea Surface
Abstract
The analytical study described in this report was originally undertaken in an attempt at a theoretical explanation of certain experimental results on radar return from ship targets corrupted by sea return. The analysis, like a number of previous treatments of this problem, is based on the classical perturbation approach credited to S. O. Rice. It assumes small fluctuations ('capillary waves') superposed on a large-scale 'sea swell.' Certain cross- correlation functions of the radar return are calculated. The radar-target system geometry is modeled, allowing for consideration of various antenna beam patterns, pulse shapes, sea-swell geometries and discrete targets on or near the sea surface. Terms beyond first order (second and third) are included in order to explain cross-polarization effects, which have been observed experimentally. Limited results on fourth-order terms are also obtained. However, when the analysis is carried only to fourth order and these terms are averaged, they do not contribute to the cross-polarization and their effect is seen only if specular returns are present.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086157
Entities
People
- H. R. Raemer
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory