Research on the verification of target trailing wake infrared simulation models based on remote sensing data

The infrared trailing wake characteristics formed by maritime moving targets are of significant importance for the purposes of detection and identification. In order to proceed with the construction of an infrared radiation model for their trailing wakes, it is first necessary to conduct the relevant verification procedures. The paper's initial approach is to construct a geometric-optical parameter-infrared radiation calculation model. This is based on the formation principles of the wake of sea-surface moving targets. Subsequently, employing the established target wake radiation model, the geometric elevation, surface optical parameters, and infrared imaging results at varying wavelengths are calculated. Thereafter, a comparison and analysis of the model results with the publicly available optical test data from the GF-5 satellite is conducted. The findings suggest that the target wake infrared model can effectively simulate the geometric morphology of real wakes and the infrared radiation differences between wakes and seawater. Wakes demonstrate consistent behaviour in the mid-wave infrared band (3.465–3.897 μm), with V-shaped bright lines forming at a specific angle along V-shaped wakes, and turbulent wakes exhibiting longer bright wakes. In the 4.769–4.969 μm and 7.963–8.440 μm bands, the infrared characteristics of the wake exhibit dark bands in comparison to the sea surface. Furthermore, the dark band features near the V-shaped strip at the tail of the wake are not reflected in the simulation results due to the absence of turbulent wake foam morphology, which is an area requiring improvement in this model.