Modelling roughness effects on propagation of electromagnetic waves in a maritime environment: a hybrid approach

This study presents work on radar links in the maritime environment. In order to understand and to optimise these links, the author have modelled electromagnetic wave propagation in the maritime environment, including in the presence of evaporation ducts. This modelling requires good propagation domain characterisation (maritime atmosphere, evaporation ducts etc.) and good modelling of the reflective effects of the sea surface (smooth or rough surface). In this study the author present a new method based on sea surface generation using sea spectra developed to model the sea surface roughness effects on electromagnetic wave propagation. Numerical results are given, in different configurations (duct height, transmitter altitude atmospheric conditions etc.), which enable the proposed model to be checked and highlight the interest of accurate roughness modelling in electromagnetic propagation over the sea surface.