Analytical Modeling of Electromagnetic Scattering and HRRP Characteristics from the 3D Sea Surface with a Plunging Breaker

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) scattering of sea surface may exhibit sea-spikespikes when there exist breaking waves. As sea-spikes are usually mistaken for targets, the investigation of EM scattering characteristics and high-range resolution profiles (HRRPs) of three-dimensional (3D) sea surfaces with a plunging breaker is meaningful for target detection and recognition. To describe the basic features of a plunging breaker, this paper developed a feasible and wind-related plunging breaker model. Here, profiles of a plunging breaker in its life cycle are modeled according to the wind speed and time factor, and the small-scale roughness is considered. Then, the sea surface and plunging breaker are combined to obtain the composite model. Additionally, a hybrid algorithm based on the Capillary Wave Modification Facet Scattering Model (CWMFSM) and ray tracing technique is developed to calculate the EM scattering of 3D sea surface with a plunging breaker. Simulation results show that the sea-spike phenomenon is more likely to occur for the upwind and large incident angles. The amplitude of the backscattering electric field from the plunging breaker is much stronger than that of the sea surface. Furthermore, the HRRPs of 3D sea surface with a plunging breaker and target are computed. Sharp peaks from the plunging breaker that exhibit obvious target-like features are observed.