Propagation of Radio Waves in a Realistic Environment using a Parabolic Equation Approach

Sammanfattning: Radars are used for range estimation of distant objects. They operate on the principle of sending electromagnetic pulses that are reflected off a target. This leads to the propagation of electromagnetic waves over large distances. As the waves propagate, they are affected by several aspects that decrease the performance of the radar system. In this master thesis, we derive a mathematical model that describes electromagnetic propagation in the troposphere. The model developed is based on a parabolic equation and uses the split-step Fourier method for its numerical solution. Using the model, we estimate the influence of a varying, complex, refractive index of the atmosphere, different lossy materials in the ground, terrain, and oceans. The terrain is described using a piecewise linear shift map method. The modelling of the ocean is done using a novel model which is a combination of terrain for large swells and Miller surface roughness for smaller waves, both based on a Pierson-Moskowitz sea spectrum. The model is validated and found to agree very well, with results found in the literature.