The split-step algorithm for microwave propagation modeling above a conducting surface
Abstract
Microwave propagation in the troposphere is largely dependent on the variation of the air's refractive index with altitude. For a radar system, this strongly affects the probability of detection of a given target. Relevant equations for microwave propagation in a maritime environment are derived and their implementation in a computer code is outlined. Some results of the code are presented. In the implementation of the equation in the computer code, it is assumed that the sea surface is a good conductor and is not very rough. A critical factor in the code is the construction of an absorbing boundary. When the absorption is either too strong or too weak, the results will be in error. A comparison of the results of the code with the PCPEM (personal computer parabolic equation method) microwave propagation calculation program shows good agreement. For higher evaporation ducts there may be discrepancies between the codes. The propagation factor at a certain distance may vary strongly with altitude, and deep nulls may exist, which makes the results of the codes extremely sensitive to the exact receiver height that is chosen.
- Publication:
-
Final Report Physics and Electronics Lab. TNO
- Pub Date:
- February 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993pel..reptQ....V
- Keywords:
-
- Algorithms;
- Microwave Scattering;
- Microwave Signatures;
- Microwave Transmission;
- Ocean Surface;
- Radar Scattering;
- Troposphere;
- Numerical Analysis;
- Radar Measurement;
- Radar Resolution;
- Refractivity;
- Sea Roughness;
- Transmission Loss;
- Tropospheric Scattering;
- Communications and Radar