Modeling near-field GPR in three dimensions using the FDTD method

Complexities associated with the theoretical solution of the near-field interaction between the fields radiated from dipole antennas placed near a dielectric half-space and electrical inhomogeneities within the dielectric can be overcome by using numerical techniques. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique implements finite-difference approximations of Maxwell's equations in a discretized volume that permit accurate computation of the radiated field from a transmitting antenna, propagation through the air-earth interface, scattering by subsurface targets and reception of the scattered fields by a receiving antenna. In this paper, we demonstrate the implementation of the FDTD technique for accurately modeling near-field time-domain ground-penetrating radar (GPR). This is accomplished by incorporating many of the important GPR parameters directly into the FDTD model, These variables include: the shape of the GPR antenna, feed fables with a fixed characteristic impedance attached to the terminals of the antenna, the height of the antenna above the ground. the electrical properties of the ground, and the electrical properties and geometry of targets buried in the subsurface, FDTD data generated from a 3-D model are compared to experimental antenna impedance data, field pattern data, and measurements of scattering from buried pipes to verify the accuracy of the method.