SWERLING Meaning and
Definition
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Swerling is a term used primarily in radar technology to describe a phenomenon known as "target swerling." It refers to the fluctuation or variation in the radar return signal strength or echo intensity produced by a target object. This term is named after Peter Swerling, an American physicist who conducted studies on statistical radar models in the 1950s.
In simpler terms, swerling refers to the behavior of a target's radar signature, specifically its tendency to show statistical variation over a period of time as detected by radar equipment. This variability arises due to the combination of several factors, including the target's physical properties (such as shape, size, and material composition) and its movement relative to the radar system. Consequently, the radar return signal from the target object can exhibit substantial fluctuations in strength or intensity, from strong to weak or vice versa, which may pose challenges for accurate identification and tracking.
The term "swerling" can also be used to describe different statistical models that attempt to characterize these target fluctuations mathematically. For instance, the Swerling models (Swerling 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) provide different statistical assumptions about the radar cross-section fluctuations of different types of targets. Understanding the swerling behavior of targets is crucial for radar engineers and operators as it helps in developing appropriate signal processing techniques and radar designs to effectively detect, track, and recognize different types of targets amidst the varying clutter and noise in the environment.
