Calculation of radio loss in forest environments by an empirical formula

This paper focuses on the calculation of radio loss in forest environments. In the study, an optimum four-layered forest model is proposed for the calculation of radio loss in forest environments. This optimum four-layered forest model is obtained by modifying a commonly used model consisting of homogeneous and isotropic dielectric layers placed over a conducting flat earth. The dielectric constant of tree trunks is obtained from published papers, and the equivalent dielectric constant of the tree canopy is calculated with the equivalent dielectric constant technique. After comparing the numerical results with those obtained from measurement data, it is found that there is good agreement between the numerical results and the measurement data. Based on the numerical results, an empirical formula is developed by using the least square curve-fitting method. This empirical formula is suitable for the calculations of radio loss in forest environments in a frequency range of 1–100 GHz. This formula also provides a simple, fast, accurate, and inexpensive method for calculating the radio loss in forest environments. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 474–480, 2001.

[1]  Tat Soon Yeo,et al.  Radio wave propagation along mixed paths through a four-layered model of rain forest: an analytic approach , 1998 .

[2]  Theodor Tamir.  Radio wave propagation along mixed paths in forest environments , 1977 .

[3]  Christopher L. Holloway,et al.  Analysis of composite walls for short path propagation modeling , 1995, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. 1995 Digest.

[4]  Fawwaz Ulaby,et al.  Microwave Dielectric Spectrum of Vegetation - Part II: Dual-Dispersion Model , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

[5]  Fawwaz Ulaby,et al.  Microwave Dielectric Spectrum of Vegetation-Part I: Experimental Observations , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

[6]  M. Lecours,et al.  Measurement and modeling of propagation losses in a building at 900 MHz , 1990 .

[7]  J. Keller,et al.  Geometrical theory of diffraction. , 1962, Journal of the Optical Society of America.

[8]  Edward J. Rothwell,et al.  Radar target identification using a combined early-time/late-time E-pulse technique , 1998 .

[9]  Attilio Jose Giarola,et al.  Radio loss in forests using a model with four layered media , 1983 .

[10]  Theodor Tamir,et al.  Radio Loss of Lateral Waves in Forest Environments , 1969 .

[11]  R. Kouyoumjian,et al.  A uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for an edge in a perfectly conducting surface , 1974 .

[12]  G. Cavalcante,et al.  Optimization of radio communication in media with three layers , 1983 .

[13]  Fawwaz T. Ulaby,et al.  Microwave Dielectric Properties of Plant Materials , 1984, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

[14]  G. Deschamps,et al.  A uniform asymptotic theory of electromagnetic diffraction by a curved wedge , 1976 .

[15]  Philip J. Wyatt,et al.  A ConductingߚSlab Model for Electromagnetic Propagation Within A Jungle Medium , 1968 .

[16]  A. Arutaki,et al.  Communication in a three-layered conducting media with a vertical magnetic dipole , 1980 .