Statistical modelling of the backscattered field in a one-dimensional non-stationary stochastic problem

Abstract

Within the framework of an exact wave approach in the spatial-time domain, the one-dimensional stochastic problem of sound pulse scattering by a layered random medium is considered. On the basis of a unification of methods which has been developed by the authors, previously applied to the investigation of non-stationary deterministic wave problems and stochastic stationary wave problems, an analytical-numerical simulation of the behaviour of the backscattered field stochastic characteristics was carried out. Several forms of incident pulses and signals are analysed. We assume that random fluctuations of a medium are described by virtue of the Gaussian Markov process with an exponential correlation function. The most important parameters appearing in the problem are discussed; namely, the time scales of diffusion, pulse durations, the medium layer thickness or the largest observation time scale in comparison with the time scale of one correlation length for the case of a half-space. An exact pattern of the pulse backscattering processes is obtained. It is illustrated by the behaviour of the backscattered field statistical moments for all observation times which are of interest. It is shown that during the time interval when the main part of the pulse energy leaves the medium, the backscattered field is a substantially non-stationary process, having a non-zero mean value and an average intensity that decays according to a power law. There are various power indices for the different duration incident pulses, however, they are not the same as those of previous papers, which were obtained on the basis of an approximate and asymptotic analysis. We have also verified that the Gaussian law is valid for the probability density function of the backscattered field in the case of any incident pulse duration.