Embedding antennas with tilted beam patterns into parabolic wave equation‐based models for tunnel propagation

Abstract

Abstract Accurate radio wave prediction models are necessary for the innovation of mobile communication technology and the deployment of wireless sensor networks in railways. The parabolic wave equation (PWE) method is one commonly used method to predict the electromagnetic characteristic of long railway tunnels. However, the advent of novel antennas and technologies (e.g., beam steering, beamforming) has posed new challenges to PWE‐based models such as effective means of taking tilted beam patterns into account. This study addresses such a challenge by using tilted Gaussian beams to embed antennas with oriented patterns or tilted beam directions into PWE‐based models. The proposed approach does not reduce the simulation efficiency of PWE itself. The validity and practicability of the technique are demonstrated by comparing against ray‐tracing as well as experimental measurements in various tunnel environments.

Keywords

• antenna radiation patterns
• electromagnetic wave propagation
• radiowave propagation
• railway communication
• underground communication