Geometrical Modelling of Over Burden (OB) Dump in Coal Mines for Microwave Remote Sensing

In this paper, the modelling and simulation of radar illumination on Over Burden (O.B) dumps in coal mines are analysed. Microwave sensor which is radiating the signal on the surface of O.B dump benches has to receive maximum backscattering, for which suitable angle and position of sensor placement need to be identified. The geometrical calculations are done using SOLIDWORK software. Geometrical simulation is done for sensor installation at different height and angle, to identify local incident angle on O.B dump benches, which is essential for radar backscattering. In simulation, sensor installation angle is changed from 5deg to - 15deg. Whereas provisions in hardware were made to have - 20deg to +20deg look angle. The aim of modelling is to identify suitable height and sensor look angle to ensure that all O.B dump benches illuminated and local incident angle <; 45deg. The maximum height of O.B dump in coal mines will be 150m, which are made in benches (typically 4 to 6 benches). The sensor elevation angle is limited to 10deg (antenna half power beam width) which will be installed a 1 Km away from benches for illuminating. The typical dimensions of these benches are taken to be 35m*30m of height*width. O.B dump reference position is taken at a distance of 1km from the proposed radar sensor for simulation.