Numerical Modeling of the Radio Wave Over-the-Horizon Propagation in the Troposphere

Abstract

Using atmospheric data, which include pressure, temperature, relative humidity and water vapor pressure, the actual refractive index of a specific segment of the atmosphere has been modeled. Based on the refractive index, a numerical method is presented to quickly estimate the propagation path of the radio wave in the troposphere. Utilizing the terrain and the surface medium model of the propagation area and the parabolic equation (PE) method, an image of the electric field distribution of radio waves in the troposphere is obtained. A comparison of propagation paths between the numerical method and the PE model is presented. Additionally, the effects of the antenna’s elevation angle have been studied. Physical measurements provide a reference for the accuracy of the simulation results obtained using the method presented in this work.