A New Clutter Model Which Accounts for Clutter Correlation and Its Application to Radar Design

摘要

The report analyzes current radar clutter models and examines the criteria by which they are applied in the prediction of radar clutter performance. The fundamentals of radar detection theory are reviewed in order to devise a more appropriate clutter model. The principal criterion in current use, the average probability of clutter false alarm, is not always adequate in predicting radar clutter performance. Furthermore, the generally accepted methods of determining the average probability of clutter false alarm can be improved. A new clutter model is synthesized, from the current average-probability-of-clutter-false-alarm criterion (properly calculated), and from new, more relevant criteria based on the detection and tracking performance of a radar system. The spatial correlation of large radar clutter returns determines the probability that clutter false alarms will occur in adjacent clutter patches, creating 'dark zones' which preclude target detection. The size and shape of the dark zone will also determine whether tracking can be performed. The probabilities of various classes of dark zones versus the value of radar reflection coefficient which will cause a clutter false alarm are determined from empirical clutter data, and are used to illustrate a new clutter model application. (Author)