Abstract:To address the need for infrared polarization detection in high-speed aerial targets, this paper presents a practical method for calculating and simulating the infrared polarization characteristics of these targets. Based on a hybrid radiative polarization model, an infrared degree of linear polarization (DoLP) calculation framework for aerial targets and an instantiation method for typical materials are developed. This model framework considers thermal emission, solar and environmental radiation reflections, and atmospheric transport effects. The deviation between the calculated and measured DoLP values for the material samples is less than 10%. Taking the high-speed SR-72 reconnaissance aircraft as an example, the simulation process is based on the reflection/radiance vector data generated by the polarization calculation model of the target material. The real-time simulation of the SR-72 target's infrared polarization characteristics is conducted with the Unity3D engine, and the image frame rate reaches 35 frames per second. The DoLP images of the SR-72 are simulated under varying conditions, including flight speed, detection band (MWIR/LWIR), and solar illumination. The variations in its polarization characteristics are subsequently analyzed. This study provides a data foundation and simulation support for infrared polarization detection and related assessment applications of aerial targets.