Doppler-based detection in reverberation-limited channels: effects of surface motion and signal spectrum

This paper describes an algorithm to predict for a monostatic sonar system, the detection advantage (against reverberation) obtained by tuning a replica correlator to the Doppler-frequency offset predicted for a moving target. The effects of the signal spectrum on the replica-correlator output are modeled by the Q-function, which is the lag-time-integrated square envelope of the ambiguity surface. Random motion in the reflecting surface is included by convolving the Q-function with the monostatic frequency-spread function derived from stationary-phase scattering theory. Results are discussed based on gated-CW and Newhall pulsed-HFM waveforms, to illustrate situations in which waveform design can help Doppler detection and those in which it cannot