Modeling FMCW Radar for Subsurface Analysis

Determining subsurface properties through ground penetrating radar sounding can be challenging, especially in planetary exploration, where little is known about the terrain and additional observations are limited. Analysis interpretation of data acquired with Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX) could therefore improved by in-detail comparison forward modeling. RIMFAX transmits a frequency modulated continuous waveform utilizes stretch processing receiver, we demonstrate how accurate modeling achieved finite-difference time-domain simulations. As simulation scheme do not allow direct implementation such system, this study presents necessary steps order to replicate same transmitter receiver characteristics. In particular, investigate method holds realistic medium attenuating dispersive properties, comparing results analytical estimates. The approach also assessed field test measurements.