Measurements based specular reflection formulation for point cloud modelling

Describing the environment using a point cloud is a promising method for both propagation predictions and channel simulations. Recently, a specular reflection model has been proposed and verified through measurements to account for reflections from large reflecting surfaces. Here, the formulation for the specular reflections for point cloud (SRPC) is improved based on a few canonical measurements in an anechoic chamber. The specular reflection image theory for large surfaces, the Radar Cross Section equation for small surfaces, the Fresnel-Kirchhoff integral formula, and measurements are investigated. Unexpectedly to the authors, the results show that, when neglecting the diffraction effects, the contributions to the specular reflected field occur mainly from the illumination of about a third of the first Fresnel zone. A prediction of the SRPC formula is the appearance of “radio flares” due to electrically small reflecting surfaces.