Author(s)

M. Pasternak, R. Kędzierawski & J. Pietrasiński

Abstract

The software for the simulation of electromagnetic waves propagation through the soil structure with buried objects has been described in the paper. The calculations are based on the finite element method (FEM) and allow prediction of the ground penetrating radar (GPR) echo structure from different buried objects. Such a virtual radar seems to be useful for test of chosen objects detection possibility in different soil structure configurations as well as for test of different kinds of radar signals. The comparison of simulation results and real measurements data has been also presented and discussed in the paper. Keywords: finite element method (FEM), ground penetrating radar (GPR). 1 Introduction The most popular method for simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation inside the soil structure is finite difference time domain (FDTD) method [1, 2]. The main reason for the FDTD method popularity is its relative simplicity and good enough accuracy. An alternative approach is possible using finite element method (FEM). The solutions in this case are easier for interpretation and it gives more precise information about material discontinuities. The last feature is very important as far as ground penetrating radar working conditions are concerned. Additionally, the construction of the simulation boundaries in the FEM approach is easier and more precise [3]. Contrary to the FDTD in the case of FEM method the main field quantity characterizes all elements of volume instead of nodes. The material properties

Keywords

finite element method (FEM), ground penetrating radar (GPR)