Computer Modeling and Simulation of Ground Penetrating Radar using Finite Difference Time Domain Code

Modeling and simulation results of a system analysis of Ground Penetrating Radars (GPR) using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) techniques are presented. Performance issues with GPRs need to be isolated in order to optimize of the radar’s ability to detect and identify buried objects. Using a system engineering approach, FDTD models were used to characterize the variables associated with the GPR to improve GPR detection process minimally affected by external sources of variability. These experiments make changes to the GPR’s inputs while measuring the output response to identify issues and optimize performance. FDTD computer simulations produce idealistic environments that allow examination of the individual effects on the response. This paper provides a system engineering overview of the operations and processes of GPR systems and how MATLAB based FDTD computer simulations can be used to model and improve them. A plan for future work is presented.