Developing a Realistic Numerical Equivalent of a GPR Antenna Transducer Using Global Optimisers

Abstract Numerical modelling of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been widely used for predicting and assessing its performance. Since the transmitter and the receiver are the most essential components of a GPR system, an accurate representation of them should be included in a model. Simulating a real system is particularly challenging, especially when it comes to commercial GPR systems. A three‐dimensional model based on a 2000 MHz “palm” antenna from Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI) is presented in this paper. The geometric features of the transducers were modelled via visual inspection while their unknown dielectric properties were estimated using global optimisers in order to minimise the differences between real and synthetic measurements. In particular, the antenna was calibrated in free space and on top of a metal plate. Subsequently, the resulting model was successfully tested in various case studies to assess its performance. Models of two units of the same transducer were developed, showing that units of the same system in general are not identical. The results, support the premise that global optimisers can be used to provide information on key aspects of the dielectric structure of the transducer and allow us to accurately model its behaviour in various environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved