Smoke Detection and Combustion Analysis Using Millimeter-Wave Radar Measurements

Understanding and detecting smoke effectively is crucial in emergency scenarios where traditional optical methods may fail. This article investigates the definition of smoke and its characterization from an electromagnetic perspective, focusing particularly on the use of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar sensors operating in the millimeter-wave range. We explore the influence of both laminar and turbulent smoke flows on the measurement accuracy. Our study is grounded in dielectric models in the millimeter-wave spectrum, demonstrating that the dielectric properties of smoke exhibit minimal variations. Consequently, we use phase-based radar signal processing to detect these subtle changes. Unlike previous studies that primarily evaluate sensor performance, this article aims to use the minimal impact on the measured signal to characterize different smoke scenarios comprehensively. Our findings demonstrate that radar sensors can provide valuable insights into smoke properties and are suitable to extend material model for millimeter-wave frequencies, enhancing situational awareness and response strategies in smoke-obscured environments.