Radio Wave Propagation in Arched Cross Section Tunnels - Simulations and Measurements

International audienceFor several years, wireless communication systems have been developed for train to infrastructure communication needs related to railway or mass transit applications. The systems should be able to operate in specific environments, such as tunnels. In this context, specific radio planning tools have to be developed to optimize system deployment. Realistic tunnels geometries are generally of rectangular cross section or arch-shaped. Furthermore, they are mostly curved. In order to calculate electromagnetic wave propagation in such tunnels, specific models have to be developed. Several works have dealt with retransmission of GSM or UMTS. Few theoretical or experimental works have focused on 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz bands. In this paper, we propose an approach to model radio wave propagation in these frequency bands in straight arch-shaped tunnels using tessellation in multi-facets. The model is based on a Ray Tracing tool using the image method. The work reported in this paper shows the propagation loss variations according to the shape of tunnels. A parametric study on the facets size to model the cross section is conducted. The influence of tunnel dimensions and signal frequency is examined. Finally, some measurement results in a straight arch-shaped tunnel are presented and analyzed in terms of slow and fast fading

A Full Wave Electromagnetic Framework for Optimization and Uncertainty Quantification of Communication Systems in Underground Mine Environments

Wireless communication, sensing, and tracking systems in mine environments are essential for protecting miners’ safety and daily operations. The design, deployment, and post-event reconfiguration of such systems greatly benefits from electromagnetic (EM) frameworks that can statistically analyze and optimize the wireless systems in realistic mine environments. This thesis proposes such a framework by developing two fast and efficient full-wave EM simulators and coupling them with a modern optimization algorithm and an efficient uncertainty quantification (UQ) method to synthesize system configurations and produce statistical insights. The first simulator is a fast multipole method – fast Fourier transform (FMM-FFT) accelerated surface integral equation (SIE) simulator. It relies on Muller and combined fields SIEs to account for scattering from mine walls and conductors, respectively. During the iterative solution of the SIE system, the computational and memory costs are reduced by using the FMM-FFT scheme. The memory costs are further reduced by compressing large data structures via singular value and Tucker decomposition. The second simulator is a domain decomposition (DD)-based SIE simulator. It first divides the physical domain of a mine tunnel or gallery into subdomains and then characterizes EM wave propagation in each subdomain separately. Finally, the DD-based SIE simulator assembles the solutions of subdomains and solves an inter-domain system using an efficient subdomain-combining scheme. While the DD-based SIE simulator is faster and more memory-efficient than the FMM-FFT accelerated SIE simulator when characterizing EM wave propagation in electrically large mine environments, it does not apply to certain scenarios that the FMM-FFT accelerated SIE simulators can handle. The optimization algorithm and UQ method that are coupled with the EM simulators are the dividing rectangles (DIRECT) algorithm and the high dimensional model representation (HDMR)-enhanced multi-element probabilistic collocation (ME-PC) method, respectively. The DIRECT algorithm is a Lipschitzian optimization method but does not require the knowledge of the Lipschitz constant. It performs a series of moves that explore the behavior of the objective function at a set of points in the carefully picked sub-regions of the search space. The HDMR-enhanced ME-PC method permits the accurate and efficient construction of surrogate models for EM observables in high dimensions. The HDMR expansion expresses the observable as finite sums of component functions that represent independent and combined contributions of random variables to the observable and hence reduces the complexity of UQ by including only the most significant component functions to minimize the computational cost of building the surrogate model. This research numerically validated and verified the two EM simulators and demonstrated the efficiency and applicability of the EM framework via its application to optimization and UQ problems in large and realistic mine environments.PHDElectrical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146028/1/wtsheng_1.pd

Shadow fading cross-correlation of multi-frequencies in curved subway tunnels

Radio propagation characteristics in curved tunnels are important for designing reliable communications in subway systems. In this paper, shadow fading is characterized, and cross-correlation property of shadow fading for different frequency bands is investigated based on empirical measurements. The measurements were conducted in two types of curved subway tunnels with 300 m and 500 m radii of curvatures at 980 MHz, 2400 MHz, and 5705 MHz, respectively. The impact of antenna polarization and propagation environment on shadow fading correlation at the receiver is evaluated. It is found that shadow fading with horizontal polarized antenna exhibits less correlation than with vertical polarized antenna. Strong independence of shadowing correlation and tunnel type is observed. Furthermore, a heuristic explanation of the particular shadowing correlation property in subway tunnel is presented

Electromagnetic model subdivision and iterative solvers for surface and volume double higher order numerical methods and applications

2019 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.Higher order methods have been established in the numerical analysis of electromagnetic structures decreasing the number of unknowns compared to the low order discretization. In order to decrease memory requirements even further, model subdivision in the computational analysis of electrically large structures has been used. The technique is based on clustering elements and solving/approximating subsystems separately, and it is often implemented in conjunction with iterative solvers. This thesis addresses unique theoretical and implementation details specific to model subdivision of the structures discretized by the Double Higher Order (DHO) elements analyzed by i) Finite Element Method - Mode Matching (FEM-MM) technique for closed-region (waveguide) structures and ii) Surface Integral Equation Method of Moments (SIE-MoM) in combination with (Multi-Level) Fast Multipole Method for open-region bodies. Besides standard application in decreasing the model size, DHO FEM-MM is applied to modeling communication system in tunnels by means of Standard Impedance Boundary Condition (SIBC), and excellent agreement is achieved with measurements performed in Massif Central tunnel. To increase accuracy of the SIE-MoM computation, novel method for numerical evaluation of the 2-D surface integrals in MoM matrix entries has been improved to achieve better accuracy than traditional method. To demonstrate its efficiency and practicality, SIE-MoM technique is applied to analysis of the rain event containing significant percentage of the oscillating drops recorded by 2D video disdrometer. An excellent agreement with previously-obtained radar measurements has been established providing the benefits of accurately modeling precipitation particles

Modeling of the Division Point of Different Propagation Mechanisms in the Near-Region Within Arched Tunnels

An accurate characterization of the near-region propagation of radio waves inside tunnels is of practical importance for the design and planning of advanced communication systems. However, there has been no consensus yet on the propagation mechanism in this region. Some authors claim that the propagation mechanism follows the free space model, others intend to interpret it by the multi-mode waveguide model. This paper clarifies the situation in the near-region of arched tunnels by analytical modeling of the division point between the two propagation mechanisms. The procedure is based on the combination of the propagation theory and the three-dimensional solid geometry. Three groups of measurements are employed to verify the model in different tunnels at different frequencies. Furthermore, simplified models for the division point in five specific application situations are derived to facilitate the use of the model. The results in this paper could help to deepen the insight into the propagation mechanism within tunnel environments

Prog Electromagn Res C Pier C

Understanding wireless channels in complex mining environments is critical for designing optimized wireless systems operated in these environments. In this paper, we propose two physics-based, deterministic ultra-wideband (UWB) channel models for characterizing wireless channels in mining/tunnel environments - one in the time domain and the other in the frequency domain. For the time domain model, a general Channel Impulse Response (CIR) is derived and the result is expressed in the classic UWB tapped delay line model. The derived time domain channel model takes into account major propagation controlling factors including tunnel or entry dimensions, frequency, polarization, electrical properties of the four tunnel walls, and transmitter and receiver locations. For the frequency domain model, a complex channel transfer function is derived analytically. Based on the proposed physics-based deterministic channel models, channel parameters such as delay spread, multipath component number, and angular spread are analyzed. It is found that, despite the presence of heavy multipath, both channel delay spread and angular spread for tunnel environments are relatively smaller compared to that of typical indoor environments. The results and findings in this paper have application in the design and deployment of wireless systems in underground mining environments.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2018-02-14T00:00:00Z29457801PMC5812029vault:2734

An Integrative Overview of the Open Literature's Empirical Data on In-tunnel Radiowave Propagation's Power Loss

This paper offers a comprehensive and integrative overview of all empirical data available from the open literature on the in-tunnel radiowave-communication channel's power loss characteristics, as a function of the tunnel's cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional size, longitudinal shape, wall materials, presence or absence of vehicular/human traffic, and presence/absence of branches. These data were originally presented in about 50 papers in various journals, conferences, and books

Propagation Mechanism modeling in the Near-Region of Arbitrary Cross-Sectional Tunnels.

Along with the increase of the use of working frequencies in advanced radio communication systems, the near-region inside tunnels lengthens considerably and even occupies the whole propagation cell or the entire length of some short tunnels. This paper analytically models the propagation mechanisms and their dividing point in the near-region of arbitrary cross-sectional tunnels for the first time. To begin with, the propagation losses owing to the free space mechanism and the multimode waveguide mechanism are modeled, respectively. Then, by conjunctively employing the propagation theory and the three-dimensional solid geometry, the paper presents a general model for the dividing point between two propagation mechanisms. It is worthy to mention that this model can be applied in arbitrary cross-sectional tunnels. Furthermore, the general dividing point model is specified in rectangular, circular, and arched tunnels, respectively. Five groups of measurements are used to justify the model in different tunnels at different frequencies. Finally, in order to facilitate the use of the model, simplified analytical solutions for the dividing point in five specific application situations are derived. The results in this paper could help deepen the insight into the propagation mechanisms in tunnels

UHF propagation channel characterization for tunnel microcellular and personal communications.

by Yue Ping Zhang.Publication date from spine.Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 194-200).DEDICATIONACKNOWLEDGMENTSChapterChapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1Chapter 1.1 --- Brief Description of Tunnels --- p.1Chapter 1.2 --- Review of Tunnel Imperfect Waveguide Models --- p.2Chapter 1.3 --- Review of Tunnel Geometrical Optical Model --- p.4Chapter 1.4 --- Review of Tunnel Propagation Experimental Results --- p.6Chapter 1.5 --- Review of Existing Tunnel UHF Radio Communication Systems --- p.13Chapter 1.6 --- Statement of Problems to be Studied --- p.15Chapter 1.7 --- Organization --- p.15Chapter 2 --- Propagation in Empty Tunnels --- p.18Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.18Chapter 2.2 --- Propagation in Empty Tunnels --- p.18Chapter 2.2.1 --- The Imperfect Empty Straight Rectangular Waveguide Model --- p.19Chapter 2.2.2 --- The Hertz Vectors for Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.20Chapter 2.2.3 --- The Propagation Modal Equations for Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.23Chapter 2.2.4 --- The Propagation Characteristics of Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.26Chapter 2.2.5 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.30Chapter 2.3 --- Propagation in Empty Curved Tunnels --- p.36Chapter 2.3.1 --- The Imperfect Empty Curved Rectangular Waveguide Model --- p.37Chapter 2.3.2 --- The Hertz Vectors for Empty Curved Tunnels --- p.39Chapter 2.3.3 --- The Propagation Modal Equations for Empty Curved Tunnels --- p.41Chapter 2.3.4 --- The Propagation Characteristics of Empty Curved Tunnels --- p.43Chapter 2.2.5 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Empty Curved Tunnels --- p.47Chapter 2.4 --- Summary --- p.50Chapter 3 --- Propagation in Occupied Tunnels --- p.53Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.53Chapter 3.2 --- Propagation in Road Tunnels --- p.53Chapter 3.2.1 --- The Imperfect Partially Filled Rectangular Waveguide Model --- p.54Chapter 3.2.2 --- The Scalar Potentials for Road tunnels --- p.56Chapter 3.2.3 --- The Propagation Modal Equations for Road Tunnels --- p.59Chapter 3.2.4 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Road Tunnels --- p.61Chapter 3.3 --- Propagation in Railway Tunnels --- p.64Chapter 3.3.1 --- The Imperfect Periodically Loaded Rectangular Waveguide Model --- p.65Chapter 3.3.2 --- The Surface Impedance Approximation --- p.66Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- The Surface Impedance of a Semi-infinite Lossy Dielectric Medium --- p.66Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- The Surface Impedance of a Thin Lossy Dielectric Slab --- p.67Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- The Surface Impedance of a Three-layered Half Space --- p.69Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- The Surface Impedance of the Sidewall of a Train in a Tunnel --- p.70Chapter 3.3.3 --- The Hertz Vectors for Railway Tunnels --- p.71Chapter 3.3.4 --- The Propagation Modal Equations for Railway Tunnels --- p.73Chapter 3.3.5 --- The Propagation Characteristics of Railway Tunnels --- p.76Chapter 3.3.6 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Railway Tunnels --- p.78Chapter 3.4 --- Propagation in Mine Tunnels --- p.84Chapter 3.4.1 --- The Imperfect periodically Loaded Rectangular Waveguide Model --- p.85Chapter 3.4.2 --- The Hertz Vectors for Mine Tunnels --- p.86Chapter 3.4.3 --- The Propagation modal Equations for Mine Tunnels --- p.88Chapter 3.4.4 --- The Propagation Characteristics of Mine Tunnels --- p.95Chapter 3.4.5 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Mine Tunnels --- p.96Chapter 3.5 --- Summary --- p.97Chapter 4 --- Statistical and Deterministic Models of Tunnel UHF Propagation --- p.100Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.100Chapter 4.2 --- Statistical Model of Tunnel UHF Propagation --- p.100Chapter 4.2.1 --- Experiments --- p.101Chapter 4.2.1.1 --- Experimental Set-ups --- p.102Chapter 4.2.1.2 --- Experimental Tunnels --- p.104Chapter 4.2.1.3 --- Experimental Techniques --- p.106Chapter 4.2.2 --- Statistical Parameters --- p.109Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Parameters to Characterize Narrow Band Radio Propagation Channels --- p.109Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Parameters to Characterize Wide Band Radio Propagation Channels --- p.111Chapter 4.2.3 --- Propagation Statistical Results and Discussion --- p.112Chapter 4.2.3.1 --- Tunnel Narrow Band Radio Propagation Characteristics --- p.112Chapter 4.2.3.1.1 --- Power Distance Law --- p.114Chapter 4.2.3.1.2 --- The Slow Fading Statistics --- p.120Chapter 4.2.3.1.3 --- The Fast Fading Statistics --- p.122Chapter 4.2.3.2 --- Tunnel Wide Band Radio Propagation Characteristics --- p.125Chapter 4.2.3.2.1 --- RMS Delay Spread --- p.126Chapter 4.2.3.2.2 --- RMS Delay Spread Statistics --- p.130Chapter 4.3 --- Deterministic Model of Tunnel UHF Propagation --- p.132Chapter 4.3.1 --- The Tunnel Geometrical Optical Propagation Model --- p.134Chapter 4.3.2 --- The Tunnel Impedance Uniform Diffracted Propagation Model --- p.141Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Determination of Diffraction Points --- p.146Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Diffraction Coefficients for Impedance Wedges --- p.147Chapter 4.3.3 --- Comparison with Measurements --- p.151Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Narrow Band Comparison of Simulated and Measured Results --- p.151Chapter 4.3.3.1.1 --- Narrow Band Propagation in Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.151Chapter 4.3.3.1.2 --- Narrow Band Propagation in Curved or Obstructed Tunnels --- p.154Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Wide Band Comparison of Simulated and Measured Results --- p.158Chapter 4.3.3.2.1 --- Wide Band Propagation in Empty Straight Tunnels --- p.159Chapter 4.3.3.2.2 --- Wide Band Propagation in an Obstructed Tunnel --- p.163Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.165Chapter 5 --- Propagation in Tunnel and Open Air Transition Region --- p.170Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.170Chapter 5.2 --- Radiation of Radio Waves from a Rectangular Tunnel into Open Air --- p.171Chapter 5.2.1 --- Radiation Formulation Using Equivalent Current Source Concept --- p.171Chapter 5.2.2 --- Radiation Numerical Results --- p.175Chapter 5.3 --- Propagation Characteristics of UHF Radio Waves in Cuttings --- p.177Chapter 5.3.1 --- The Attenuation Constant due to the Absorption --- p.178Chapter 5.3.2 --- The Attenuation Constant due to the Roughness of the Sidewalls --- p.182Chapter 5.3.3 --- The Attenuation Constant due to the tilts of the Sidewalls --- p.183Chapter 5.3.4 --- Propagation Numerical Results in Cuttings --- p.184Chapter 5.4 --- Summary --- p.187Chapter 6 --- Conclusion and Recommendation for Future Work --- p.189APPENDIX --- p.193The Approximate Solution of a Transcendental Equation --- p.193REFERENCES --- p.19