Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signal simulation method for ship targets on sea surface was proposed and the SAR signature model was established. The ship six degrees freedom motion model, the sea surface complex reflection coefficient model and the target electromagnetic scattering model were introduced. Based on the high frequency electromagnetic scattering calculation method and multi-path electromagnetic scattering, the electromagnetic coupling scattering and the time-varying characteristics were simulated. By comparing and analyzing the imaging results of the simulated SAR signal in different states, the physical scattering characteristics of ship targets on sea surface was realistically reflected, at the same time, the validity of the SAR signature model was demonstrated.

Key words: synthetic aperture radar, ship targets, multi-path scattering, complex reflection for sea surfaces, simulation