Use of time, space, frequency, and angle data products in understanding target-in-the-environment scattering physics

Abstract

Broadband, multi-aspect time domain data of scattering from targets placed on sediment interfaces contains a wealth of information about the target and the modifications to the target scattering due to its location in the ocean environment. Different data products derived from the data can be used together to gain a better insight into the overall physical processes at play. We use a 2:1 aluminum cylinder and a 2:1 aluminum pipe to demonstrate the utility of different types of data products. Domains examined include imaging in the horizontal plane, frequency response as a function of look angle, and time domain response as a function of look angle. We then examine these same domains using relatively narrow windows of time with varying start times. This analysis allows visualization of the evolution of the physical mechanisms involved. [Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.]