Millimetre-wave and sub-THz maritime radar scene simulation

Abstract

Situational awareness for small maritime craft is of vital importance for improved marine safety of both the craft and other water users, as well as being paramount for path planning and obstacle avoidance in the development of small autonomous vessels. As part of a wider experimental and theoretical research program, here we investigate the potential for use of commercial electromagnetic simulation software, to simulate multi-modal radar responses and high-resolution imagery of maritime scenes at mm-wave and sub-THz frequencies, incorporating a developed physical sea surface model. The ultimate goal is to use simulation in the development of radar anomaly detection algorithms and for situations where experimental measurements are logistically challenging. We also outline the procedure for experimentally verifying the simulated data using a wave tank as a controlled repeatable measurement environment.