Three-dimensional parabolic equation model for low frequency sound propagation in irregular urban canyons

A three-dimensional wide-angle parabolic equation (3DPE) is used to model low frequency sound propagation in irregular urban canyons at low computational cost. This one-way wave equation is solved using the Alternating Direction Implicit method. A finite difference scheme adapted to the geometry of the urban environment is then developed. Abrupt variations of the street width are treated as a single scattering problem using the Kirchhoff approximation. Numerical results are compared with experimental data obtained on a scale model of a street. Comparisons show the ability of the 3DPE model to provide reliable transmitted fields even for large irregularities.