Simulation of a radar in Flames : a ray based radar model

In this report a radar model is modeled and implemented in a simulation framework called Flames. The focus is to investigate how and if electromagnetic waves emitted from the radar antenna can be simulated by different methods and how these methods can be implemented to work in real-time simulations. The radar model developed in this report is based on ray tracing and ray propagation techniques developed by the author. The model considers varying refractive indices that describes both standard atmospheres and atmospheres where ducting occur. Preparatory studies are also made to model ground reflection by ray tracing techniques. Other simulation techniques, such as the Finite-Difference Time-Domain method and the Split-Step Parabolic Equation method, are furthermore considered for radar simulation applications. The results show that ray tracing in conjunction with geometrical optics is a valid method for simulating electromagnetic waves in simple atmosphere models