Modeling observed target localization error using bistatic reflection

Abstract

Bistatic Sonar involves the transmission of a signal from a source, reflection of the signal from a target, and the reception of the signal by a receiver. Real-world environmental errors make target localization for underwater bistatic sonar a difficult task. The bistatic equation is used to calculate the range between the receiver and target location using geometric information, the travel time of the signal from the source to the receiver, and the estimated underwater sound speed. Using the receiver to target range and bearing allows the receive ship to observe where the target ship is located. Due to the complexity of the bistatic equation, it is necessary to model these real-world environmental errors with computer simulations to improve target localization for bistatic sonar. In this thesis, Monte Carlo simulations will be used to model bistatic sonar for two different real-world environments using three likely error input scenarios and also to determine the variables that have the most influence on target localization error.