Application and Validation of a S/W Developed for IR Signal Simulation by Using the Measured Data from a Moving Test Ship

Abstract

Infrared signals are widely used to detect or discriminate objects against the background. Direct measurements of the infrared signals from objects under various operating conditions are cost ineffective and time consuming works and the computer simulation method is developing rapidly to replace or supplement those experimental tasks. The IR signal detected by a sensor can be divided into three components: the self-emitted radiance, the radiance coming out after being reflected on the surface from the external radiation sources, the radiance not related to the object that is generated by the atmosphere. In this study, we developed an IR image generation S/W by considering these three IR signal components to be applied for moving objects. To validate the S/W developed here the IR signal and the surface temperature are measured from a test ship operating along a designated route on the sea, and the weather conditions and the ship positions are also measured simultaneously. Calculation of the surface temperature profile of the test ship is performed by using the S/W developed in this study with the three-dimensional modeling of the test ship and the corresponding IR image is generated. Calculations of the surface temperature and the IR signal level are performed by using the measured weather data obtained during the experiments. Results of the surface temperature and the IR signal obtained from the measurement and the numerical analysis show fairly good agreements and we found an applicability of the developed S/W in analyzing IR signals from moving objects.