A Sliced Parabolic Equation Method to Characterize Maritime Radio Propagation.

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Wave Propagation
• Atmospheric Science and Meteorology
• Radio Communications Engineering

Background:

• Atmospheric ducts significantly impact maritime radio propagation, enabling or disrupting beyond line-of-sight communications.
• Near-shore atmospheric conditions exhibit high spatial-temporal variability, leading to heterogeneous and unpredictable ducting phenomena.
• Accurate modeling of these ducts is essential for reliable maritime broadband communications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of horizontally inhomogeneous atmospheric ducts on maritime radio propagation.
• To develop and validate a novel range-dependent atmospheric duct model and a sliced parabolic equation algorithm for path loss prediction.
• To analyze the influence of duct characteristics on received signal strength in maritime environments.

Main Methods:

• Designed a range-dependent atmospheric duct model utilizing meteorological reanalysis data.
• Developed a sliced parabolic equation algorithm with a corresponding numerical solution for path loss prediction.
• Validated the algorithm using 3.5 GHz long-distance radio propagation measurements, analyzing duct spatial distribution and characteristics.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm accurately predicted path loss under range-dependent duct conditions, showing consistency with measurement data.
• The algorithm demonstrated superior performance compared to existing methods, especially during periods with multiple ducts.
• Simulations confirmed the significant influence of horizontal duct characteristics on received signal strength.

Conclusions:

• The developed range-dependent duct model and sliced parabolic equation algorithm effectively address the challenges of maritime radio propagation in inhomogeneous atmospheric duct environments.
• The findings provide a more accurate tool for predicting radio path loss, enhancing the reliability of maritime broadband communications.
• Further investigation into duct horizontal characteristics is crucial for optimizing maritime communication systems.