Simple Propagation Models and Ray Solutions

The topic of electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation through complex environments has been and will continue to be of great interest for communication and radar systems. Simple propagation models are introduced in this chapter. First, a simple ray-shooting MATLAB package is designed and discussed. The package may be used as an educational tool in various EM lectures (e.g., EM wave theory, antennas and propagation, wireless propagation, etc.) as well as a research tool to predict ducting and/or antiducting conditions in the presence of buildings and under various atmospheric refractivity conditions. Then, early analytical ray-based models are discussed. Propagation over nonpenetrable flat earth with the simple two ray (2Ray) model and single knife-edge problem with the four ray (4Ray) model are summarized with basic examples and illustrations.