Radio-propagation model based on the combined method of ray tracing and diffraction

In this paper, we consider UHF radio wave propagation in vegetated residential environments. The attenuating effects of trees as well as those due to diffraction over the buildings are investigated. A new radio wave propagation prediction model based on the combined method of ray tracing and diffraction (CMRTD) is proposed. A row of trees is modeled as a two-dimensional (2-D) cylinder. It is then represented by an equivalent phase object (EPO); a row of buildings is replaced by an absorbing screen. The position and size of the EPO as well as the amplitude and phase distributions of the input field at the EPO are determined by ray tracing. Next the scattered field is computed by the Kirchhoff diffraction theory. Among the numerical results are those of the scattering from a row of trees with circular or elliptic canopies and the scattering from a row of trees/buildings configuration. The calculations treat both plane- and cylindrical-incident waves. By comparing the results with those obtained from the exact eigenfunction expansion method, we show that the CMRTD is an accurate and efficient method to calculate the scattering from a 2-D cylinder. Moreover, the range of the validity of using the CMRTD to model the scattering from one row of trees is determined.