Simulation of circular synthetic aperture sonar imaging using TriKirch scattering model and experimental validation

During the engineering feasibility study period of circular synthetic aperture sonar (CSAS) design, it is necessary to establish the computer simulation model of the CSAS imaging with various sonar parameters and underwater extended targets. In this work, the TriKirch scattering model also known as the Planar elements method, which is based on the Kirchhoff approximation and triangulation of target's surface, is used to generate echo signals of the CSAS. Simulation of the CSAS imaging is carried out for a scale benchmark submarine model and compared with experimental results. It is shown that the imaging simulation and experimental data processing results can validate each other.