Multi-directional Infrared Imaging Characterization of Ship Kelvin Wake

A wake will appear behind the ship with long continuous time when the ship sail in the sea. The apparent wake can be detected with infrared imaging device. By analyzing infrared imaging characterization of the wake, many parameters of the ship can be gained in principle, such as ship's dimensions, course and speed. Combined JONSWAP wave spectrum with Kelvin wake model based on hydrodynamics, the simulation of Kelvin wake in the maritime environment is achieved. Meanwhile, a physics based model of infrared imaging for ship wake is proposed. Then the infrared characterization of ship Kelvin wake in different detection conditions is obtained, considering sky background radiation, atmospheric transmission, and other environmental factors. The results show that ship speed range can be estimated by using the infrared imaging characterization of ship wake. The detection and recognition probability of ship can be improved with appropriate detection azimuth.