This thesis is based on modifications performed on the U.S. Army TACOM (Tank Automotive Command, Warren, Michigan) Thermal Imaging Model (TTIM). It discusses the TTIM computer model of a staring thermal imaging sensor with respect to spatial nonuniformities. The spatial nonuniformities in a staring sensor is caused by fixed pattern noise or responsivity variations across the sensor. The objective of the thesis is to present the correction schemes for spatial nonuniformities present on a staring thermal imaging sensor and the data analysis of the corrections using flat field and bar chart targets of known temperatures. The signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) of the images will be calculated and measured before and after the correction. A simulated image after a one-point correction will be evaluated by comparison with an image from a real system using a platinum silicide thermal imaging sensor. The limits and assumptions of the simulation also will be discussed.

An important consideration in the design of military aircraft is observability, or how visible an aircraft is to hostile weapons. One area of great importance to overall observability is an aircraft’s infrared signature, particularly the infrared emissions from the exhaust nozzle and plume. This creates the need for accurate modeling of the infrared signatures from these sources as a design aid or for comparison of candidate designs. To that end, a parametric model has been developed based on the General Electric F110-GE-129 jet engine. The basis of the model is a highly flexible Monte-Carlo ray-trace formulation which is capable of simulating real surface behavior, such as specular reflections, and allows for variation of input parameters such as temperature, surface properties, and geometry. For given input parameters, the model predicts the overall infrared signature due to surface radiation from the exhaust nozzle and interior components. It also indicates the relative contribution of each interior surface to the overall signature and predicts the image that would be seen using infrared imaging equipment. The basic principles of the simulation method and the theory behind the application are discussed. Results are presented, primarily in graphical format, and recommendations are made for further work. / Master of Science