The transition between reactive and radiative regimes for leaky modes in planar waveguides based on homogenized partially reflecting surfaces

The gradual transition from a reactive to a radiative regime is studied for leaky modes supported by multilayered planar open waveguides. The so-called leaky cutoff condition, i.e., the frequency for which the leaky phase constant $eta$ equals the leaky attenuation constant $alpha$ , originally introduced for microstrip lines and other printed structures, is investigated here with the aim of providing detailed information on the relative amount of reactive and radiative attenuation for leaky modes excited by finite sources and propagating as cylindrical waves along general planar waveguides. Analytical results are derived on the basis of a lossy parallel-plate-waveguide model and are validated through full-wave numerical simulations of 2-D leaky-wave structures based on grounded slabs covered with lossless or lossy partially reflecting surfaces (including, e.g., graphene layers) that can be treated as homogenized sheets. An analysis of the complex wave impedance of the considered leaky modes is also provided, in order to assess the frequency ranges where a good input matching can be expected for practical sources. In this regard, an ad hoc impedance matching network is designed and full-wave validated for a specific case to show that is indeed possible to achieve a good impedance matching below the cutoff in practical designs

A Leaky-Wave Analysis of Resonant Bessel-Beam Launchers: Design Criteria, Practical Examples, and Potential Applicationsat Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Frequencies

Resonant Bessel-beam launchers are low-cost, planar, miniaturized devices capable of focusing electromagnetic radiation in a very efficient way in various frequency ranges, with recent increasing interest for microwave and millimeter-wave applications (i.e., 3–300 GHz). In recent years, various kinds of launchers have appeared, with different feeding mechanisms (e.g., coaxial probes, resonant slots, or loop antennas), field polarization (radial, azimuthal, and longitudinal), and manufacturing technology (axicon lenses, radial waveguides, or diffraction gratings). In this paper, we review the various features of these launchers both from a general electromagnetic background and a more specific leaky-wave interpretation. The latter allows for deriving a useful set of design rules that we here show to be applicable to any type of launcher, regardless its specific realization. Practical examples are discussed, showing a typical application of the proposed design workflow, along with a possible use of the launchers in a modern context, such as that of wireless power transfer at 90 GHz

The crossing of the historical centre of Roma by the new underground line C: a study of soil-structure interaction for historical buildings

This work deals with the soil structure-interaction problems posed by the construction of the third line of Roma underground (Line C), which, in its central stretch, crosses the historical centre of the city with significant interferences with the archaeological and monumental heritage. The paper describes the methodological approach developed to evaluate the effects of tunnelling on the existing monuments and historical buildings, starting from a careful geotechnical and structural characterisation and including the development of reliable geotechnical and structural models. Experts in several disciplines were committed to this multidisciplinary work, ranging from geologists to geotechnical and structural engineers, archaeologists, and professionals working in the field of conservation and restoration of works of art and monuments. The study of the interaction between the construction activities and the built environment was carried out following procedures of increasing level of complexity, from green field analyses, in which the stiffness of the existing buildings was neglected, to full soil-structure interaction analyses, performed in both two- and three-dimensional conditions, accounting for the stiffness of existing buildings and considering possible long-term effects. The paper illustrates the main aspects of this procedure, using the example case studies of the Basilica di Massenzio and of the building of the Amministrazione Doria Pamphili

Analysis of metal oxide varistor arresters for protection of multiconductor transmission lines using unconditionally-stable Crank-Nicolson FDTD

Surge arresters may represent an efficient choice for limiting lightning surge effects, significantly reducing the outage rate of power lines. The present work firstly presents an efficient numerical approach suitable for insulation coordination studies based on an implicit Crank-Nicolson finite difference time domain method; then, the IEEE recommended surge arrester model is reviewed and implemented by means of a local implicit scheme, based on a set of non-linear equations, that are recast in a suitable form for efficient solution. The model is proven to ensure robustness and second-order accuracy. The implementation of the arrester model in the implicit Crank-Nicolson scheme represents the added value brought by the present study. Indeed, its preserved stability for larger time steps allows reducing running time by more than 60% compared to the well-known finite difference time domain method based on the explicit leap-frog scheme. The reduced computation time allows faster repeated solutions, which need to be looked for on assessing the lightning performance (randomly changing, parameters such as peak current, rise time, tail time, location of the vertical leader channel, phase conductor voltages, footing resistance, insulator strength, etc. would need to be changed thousands of times)

Electromagnetic propagation features of ground-penetrating radars for the exploration of Martian subsurface

In this work, the effects of magnetic inclusions in a Mars-like soil are considered with reference to the electromagnetic propagation features of ground-penetrating radars (GPRs). Low-frequency and time-domain techniques, using L-C-R meters and TDR instruments, respectively, are implemented in laboratory experimental set-ups in order to evaluate complex permittivity and permeability and wave velocity for different scenarios of a dielectric background medium (silica) with magnetic inclusions (magnetite). Attenuation and maximum detection ranges have also been evaluated by taking into account a realistic GPR environment, which includes the transmitting/receiving antenna performance and the complex structure of the subsurface. The analysis and the interpretation of these results shed new light on the significant influence of magnetic inclusions on the performance of Martian orbiting and rover-driven GPRs.Published5-11reserve

Associazione Geotecnica Italiana

Presidente dell'Associazione Geotecnica Italiana dal 2003 al 200

A study of the interaction between the new C line of Roma underground and the Aurelian Wall

A study of the effects of the construction of the C Line of Roma Underground on the Aurelian Wall has been carried out as a research project sponsored by the municipality of Roma through STA S.p.A. This paper summarises the results of the study for a section where the two closed-shield (10 m in diameter) running tunnels pass directly beneath the Wall, with a skew of about 45°. At first, ground movements induced from construction of the tunnels, for different positions of the excavation face, were estimated in greenfield conditions using empirical methods. In a second stage, three dimensional finite difference analyses were carried out to simulate the interaction between the Wall and the construction of the tunnels. A distinctive feature of the research was the extended investigation aimed at an adequate definition of a model of the subsoil and of the geometry and quality of the foundations of the Wall. © 2006 Taylor & Francis Group