Task 2 - Electromagnetic waves in bounded open media

Individual work

Horacio Porras Montañez

Group 53

ID: 1056804115

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA UNAD

Escuela de Ciencias Básicas, Tecnología e Ingeniería

Teoría Electromagnética y Ondas

2020 08-04
 Introduction

The analysis in which a wave propagates freely through a medium without borders or barriers, is only a first
approximation to the way in which electromagnetic waves actually propagate in a real condition. The same
ground plane, on which antennas and other sources of electromagnetic waves are located, constitutes a
reflective surface, in which, when a wave hits, part of its energy is reflected, while another part is absorbed by
the surface. Paz, A (2013) pp. 249

With this in mind, this document will describe the basic principles that define how different surfaces reflect
electromagnetic signals and influence their propagation. As established in the collaborative work activities
guide and depending on being able to analyze the modes of electromagnetic wave propagation.
The performance of collaborative work consists of exercises both conceptual and mathematical related to the
modes of electromagnetic wave propagation. In order to achieve this, web conferences of the course, video
tutorials published on the YouTube website, bibliographic material hosted in the virtual campus knowledge
environment and the application of previous knowledge of algebra, general physics and modern physics served
as support.

Finally, it is expected to expose in a precise way the correct development of the exercises belonging to the
collaborative work Unit 2: Task 2 - Electromagnetic waves in bounded open media. It should be noted that
this work is the fruit of several hours of work, a period of research and application of different study techniques
and own ingenuity.
 Questions: (write with your own words)
ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP

For the development of this activity, explore in the Knowledge Environment, in Unit 2, the
bibliographical reference of Chen, W. (2005), on pages 519-524, Wiley, J. y Sons Ltd. (2003),
on pages 31-51 and supplement with the aids generated by the tutor within the forum, to solve
the following consultation and application exercises:

Questions: (write with your own words)

1. What are the modes of propagation of electromagnetic waves?

Reply: Electromagnetic waves propagate in different ways, depending on the frequency,

signal energy, and electromagnetic properties of different media.

Propagation in line of sight: It occurs when there is a visual between the emitter and the
receiver, as in the case of old TV antennas. This mode of propagation is the most efficient,
since there is no loss of energy due to reflection.

Figure 1.1. Line of sight propagation

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 249

Propagation by reflection in the ground plane: It is very common in radio frequency

(RF) applications, where the ground plane acts as an equipotential, that is, a reflective
surface.

Figure 1.2. Propagation by reflection in the ground plane

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 250
Propagation by atmospheric reflection: The different layers of the atmosphere reflect
as conductive surfaces the signals at medium and high, high frequencies (MF-HF-VHF). can
be tuned under certain atmospheric conditions, signals from Europe, Asia or Oceania.

Figure 1.3. Propagation by atmospheric reflection.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 250

Propagation by satellite retransmission: The satellite generates two separate points of

view, collects the signal from one transmitter and retransmits it to another. It is used to
overcome the drawbacks of atmospheric reflection, in the UHF and higher bands.

Figure 1.4. Propagation by retransmission via satellite.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 251

Propagation through microwave links: It consists of the staggered retransmission of
electromagnetic waves through emitters and receivers.

Figure 1.5. Microwave propagation.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 251

Multiple reflection propagation: Electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency can also be

propagated by multiple reflection, such as urban environments. The only necessary condition
for this type of propagation is that the wavelength of the signal is comparable to the dimensions
of the reflective structure or considerably lower.

Figura 1.6. Propagación por reflexión múltiple.

Fuente: Paz, A (2013) pp.252

2.What does it mean to polarize an electromagnetic wave?

Reply: Polarizing an electromagnetic wave means the difference in phase and amplitude
between the transverse components of the electromagnetic field that generate the
electromagnetic wave. Several cases can be considered.

Linear polarization: It occurs when both components have different amplitudes, but they are
in phase or in exact push-pull. An arithmetic addition or subtraction of the signals is then
generated at each point in space, which leads to the resulting field always having the Same
direction but that this does not necessarily coincide with the Y or Z axes. The direction of the
polarization plane within the YZ plane is defined by the difference in magnitudes of the signals.

Figure 1.7. Linear polarization.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp.253

Circular polarization: It occurs when both components have equal amplitude and are 90º or
270º out of phase with each other. In this case, a circularly polarized wave is generated, the
direction of rotation of the vector is defined by the phase difference of the signals.
 Figure 1.8. Circular polarization.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 254

Elliptical polarization: It is generated when both components have different amplitudes and
the phase angle between them is not 0 ° or 180 °; In these cases, an elliptical polarized wave
is generated, the angle between the major axis of the ellipse and the Z axis, as well as the
direction of rotation of the vector is defined by the phase difference of the signals.

Figure 1.9. Elliptical polarization.

Source: Paz, A (2013) pp. 254

3.What is the phenomenon of total reflection of an electromagnetic wave?

Reply: The phenomenon of total reflection of an electromagnetic wave occurs when a wave
impinges perpendicular to the border between a lossless dielectric and a perfect conductor a
particular condition of wave reflection occurs.

4.What is the phenomenon of total refraction of an electromagnetic wave?

Reply: The total refraction of an electromagnetic wave When the sum of the incidence and
refraction angles is 90°, the Fresnel coefficient of reflection in the TM mode is canceled (the
tangent tends to infinity), which means that the parallel electric field does not reflects, but is
completely refracted. Unlike total reflection, total refraction does not occur from a specific
angle, but at a specific angle, if the angle of incidence varies slightly the phenomenon no longer
occurs.

5.What is the purpose of Snell's Law in the study of the propagation of waves?

Reply: The purpose of Snell's law in the study of wave propagation is to deduce the appearance
of an interesting phenomenon, which occurs when the refractive index of the substance in which
the wave originates (𝑛1 ) is greater than the substance to which it tries to pass(𝑛2 ).
 Application exercises:
APPLICATION EXERCISES

For the development of the following exercises, note that GG corresponds to the group number
and CCC to the first 3 digits of the identification number.

1. An electromagnetic wave of 𝑓 = 𝐺𝐺 𝑀𝐻𝑧 and 𝑃1+ = 120𝑚𝑊/𝑚 2, incident from the air (𝜂1 =
120𝜋 𝛺), perpendicular to an infinite wall with an intrinsic impedance 𝜂2 = 𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝛺. Calculate
the reflected power 𝑃1− and the transmitted power 𝑃2+ to the wall.

SOLUTION

Data:
𝑓 = 𝐺𝐺 𝑀𝐻𝑧 = 53𝑀𝐻𝑧

𝑃1+ = 120𝑚𝑊/𝑚 2
𝜂2 = 105 𝛺

Reflection coefficient is calculated:

𝑛2 − 𝑛1
Γ=
𝑛2 + 𝑛1
105 − 120𝜋
Γ=
105 + 120𝜋
Γ = −0,56 = 0.56 < 180°

The reflectance is:

𝑅 = | Γ| 2

𝑅 = |0.56|2
𝑅 = 0,3136
𝑅 = 31,36%

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the reflectance:
The transmittance:
𝑇 = 1−𝑅
𝑇 = 100% − 31,36% = 68,64%

The reflected power:

𝑚𝑊
|𝑃1− | = 31,36% × 120
𝑚2
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃1− | = 37,632
𝑚2
GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK
Below is the verification of the results of the reflected power:

The transmitted power:

𝑚𝑊
|𝑃2+ | = 68,64% × 120
𝑚2
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃1− | = 82,368
𝑚2
GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK
Below is the verification of the results of the transmitted power:
 2. An electromagnetic wave of 𝑓 = 𝐺𝐺 𝑀𝐻𝑧 and 𝑃1+ = 120𝑚𝑊/𝑚 2, coming from a wave
generator located 12𝑐𝑚 from the wall, which impinges from the air (𝜂1 =
120𝜋 𝛺) perpendicularly on a wall with an intrinsic impedance 𝜂2 = 𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝛺 and 20𝑐𝑚
thick. The wall is made of a non-magnetic and non-dissipative material. On the other
side of the wall is a receiver located 20cm away.
SOLUTION
a. Calculate the coefficient of reflection and transmission seen by the generator.

Data:
𝑓 = 𝐺𝐺 𝑀𝐻𝑧 = 53𝑀𝐻𝑧
𝜂1 = 120𝜋 𝛺

𝜂2 = 105 𝛺

The phase constant of the wall can now be calculated:

𝜔 ∗ 𝜂1
𝛽=
𝑐0 ∗ 𝜂2

𝛽 = 3,9854402533923 𝑟𝑎𝑑⁄𝑚

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝜂𝑖𝑛 :
The input impedance seen from the first frontier in a mix of the impedances of the air on the
other side of the wall and the impedance of the same wall:
𝜂2 + 𝑗𝜂1 𝑇𝑎𝑛(𝛽𝑥)
𝜂𝑖𝑛 = 𝜂1
𝜂1 + 𝑗𝜂1 𝑇𝑎𝑛(𝛽𝑥)
120𝜋 + 𝑗105𝑇𝑎𝑛(𝛽 × 0.20)
𝜂𝑖𝑛 = 105
105 + 𝑗120𝜋𝑇𝑎𝑛(𝛽 × 0.20)

Calculated:
𝜂𝑖𝑛 = (53.2139113806503 − 88.0947080344647𝑗 )Ω

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝜂𝑖𝑛 :
With this input impedance seen from the first interface, the first reflection coefficient can be
calculated:
𝜂𝑖𝑛 − 𝜂𝑎𝑖𝑟
Γ1 = = −0.6821 − 0.34444𝑗 = 0.7641 < −153
𝜂𝑖𝑛 + 𝜂𝑎𝑖𝑟

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the Γ1 :

As well as the first transmission coefficient:

𝜏1 = 1 + Γ1
𝜏1 = 1 − 0.68 − 0.34𝑗
𝜏1 = 0.3179 − 0.34444𝑗

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝜏1 :

Percentage of power transmitted to the wall:

𝑇1 = 1 − |Γ1 |2
𝑇1 = 0.4161

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the T1 :
This indicates that of the power emitted by the emitter, only 41,61% is transmitted to the wall,
but not that this is the power received by the receiver.

The reflectance on the first face of the wall is:

𝑅1 = 1 − 𝑇1
𝑅1 = 0.5839

This means that 58.39% of the power is returned to the emitter.

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the T1 :

To obtain the power received by the receiver, a second reflection that occurs on the face of the
wall facing the receiver.

The reflection coefficient on the second face of the wall is calculated as:
𝜂𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜂𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙
Γ2 =
𝜂𝑎𝑖𝑟 + 𝜂𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙
120𝜋 − 105
Γ2 =
120𝜋 + 105
Γ2 = 0.5643

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the Γ2 :
Which results in a transmittance equivalent to:

𝑇2 = 1 − |Γ2 |2

𝑇2 = 1 − 0.562
𝑇2 = 0.6815 ≈ 68.15%

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝑇2 :

The reflectance on the second face of the wall is:

𝑅2 = 1 − 𝑇2
𝑅2 = 0.3185 ≈ 31.85%

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝑅2 :

The power transmitted from the generator to the receiver is obtained as a product of the two
transmittances:

𝑇𝑡 = 0.4161 × 0.6815
𝑇𝑡 = 0.2836 ≈ 28.36%

GEOGEBRA SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR CHECK

Below is the verification of the results of the 𝑇𝑡 :
 b. Determine in [%] and [𝑚𝑊/𝑚2 ] the power that is transmitted to the
receiver.

The reflected power to face 1:

𝑅1 = 0.5839 ≈ 58,39%
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃1− | = 58,39 × 120
𝑚2
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃1− | = 70,06792
𝑚2

The transmitted power to wall:

𝑇1 = 0.4161 ≈ 41,61%
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃2+ | = 41,61% × 120
𝑚2
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃2+ | = 49,932
𝑚2
The reflected power to face 2:
𝑅2 = 0.3185 ≈ 31.85%
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃2− | = 31.85% × 49,932
𝑚2
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃2− | = 15.90
𝑚2

The transmitted power to the receiver:

𝑇2 = 0.6815 ≈ 68.15%
𝑚𝑊
|𝑃3+ | = 68.15% × 49,932
𝑚2

𝑚𝑊
|𝑃3+ | = 34.03
𝑚2
3.An electromagnetic wave propagates through several media as shown in the graph.

Figure 3: Propagation of “oblique wave” in finite media.

Initially the ray travels through the ice layer striking the air layer at point B, forming an angle
of 𝜃𝑎 = 44,9°. Using Snell's Law, calculate step by step the total path of the wave to determine
the value of "d". Note that each layer is 𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑚𝑚 thick and that at point C there is a total
refractive effect, so it is necessary to identify which material is in layer 3 by calculating its
refractive index.

SOLUTION

Point A:

Angle 𝜃𝑎′ is calculated:

𝜃𝑎′ + 𝜃𝑎 = 90°
𝜃𝑎′ = 90° − 𝜃𝑎

𝜃𝑎′ = 90° − 44,9°

𝜃𝑎′ = 45,10°

Applying Snell's law, calculate the angle 𝜃𝑏 :

𝑛1 𝑠𝑒𝑛 (𝜃𝑎′ ) = 𝑛2 𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑏 )

1,31𝑠𝑒𝑛 (45,10°) = 1.00029𝑠𝑒𝑛 (𝜃𝑏 )

1,31𝑠𝑒𝑛 (45,10°)
𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑏 ) =
1.00029
𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑏 ) = 0.9277

𝜃𝑏 = sin−1(0.9277)
 𝜃𝑏 = 68,07°

The horizontal distance from point A to B is calculated:

𝑥
tan(𝜃𝑏 ) =
105𝑚𝑚
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(𝜃𝑏 )
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(68,07°)

𝑥1 = 260.83 𝑚𝑚

Point B:

Angle 𝜃𝑐is calculated:

𝜃𝑐 + 𝜃𝑏 = 90°

𝜃𝑐 = 90° − 𝜃𝑏

𝜃𝑐 = 90° − 68,07°
𝜃𝑐 = 21.93°

Snell's law is applied to calculate 𝑛3

𝑛2 𝑠𝑒𝑛 (𝜃𝑏) = 𝑛3 𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑐 )

1.00029𝑠𝑒𝑛 (68,07°) = 𝑛3 𝑠𝑒𝑛(21.93°)

1.00029𝑠𝑒𝑛 (68,07°)
𝑛3 =
𝑠𝑒𝑛(21.93°)
𝑛3 = 2.48

The horizontal distance from point B to C is calculated:

𝑥
tan(𝜃𝑐 ) =
105𝑚𝑚
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(𝜃𝑐 )
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(21.93°)
𝑥2 = 42.27𝑚𝑚
Point C:

Applying Snell's law, calculate the angle 𝜃𝑑 :

𝑛3 𝑠𝑒𝑛 (𝜃𝑐) = 𝑛4 𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑑 )

2.48𝑠𝑒𝑛 (21.93°) = 1.5𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑑 )

2.48𝑠𝑒𝑛 (21.93°)
𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑑 ) =
1.5
𝑠𝑒𝑛(𝜃𝑑 ) = 0.6188

𝜃𝑑 = sin−1(0.6188)

𝜃𝑑 = 38.22°

The horizontal distance from point C to D is calculated:

𝑥
tan(𝜃𝑑 ) =
105𝑚𝑚
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(𝜃𝑑 )
𝑥 = 105𝑚𝑚 × tan(38.22°)
𝑥3 = 82.67

The value of “d”:

𝑑 = 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥3
𝑑 = 260.83 𝑚𝑚 + 42.27𝑚𝑚 + 𝑥3 = 82.67
𝑑 = 385.77𝑚𝑚
 Conclusions

❖ In the oblique incidence there are three wave fronts represented by three rays
called, incident ray, reflected ray and retracted ray. These three rays give rise to
three angles that are formed with the normal to the interface between the means
named as follows, incident angle, angle of reflection and angle of refraction.

❖ When having an impedance barrier different from that of the medium where the
wave originates, in a propagation of a wave through a finite wall, the input
impedance calculation conditions change, it is necessary to take the impedance
of the layer of air behind the wall. Additionally, as there are two interfaces
between different media, a double reflection is presented.
 Bibliography

• Flores, N y Figueroa, E. (2007) Física moderna. Ciudad de México, México: PEARSON

EDUCACIÓN.

• QuantumFracture [Lo que Necesitas Saber sobre Ondas (al menos para Selectividad)].(2. April. 12).
[wave equation.] [1/1] ][ video file]. Recovered from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6COac0F25mE

• Chen, W. (2005). The Electrical Engineering Handbook. Boston: Academic Press, (pp. 519-524).
Recovered from
http://bibliotecavirtual.unad.edu.co:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=tru
e&db=nlebk&AN=117152&lang=es&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_519

• . Paz, A (2013) Bounded open media waves, (pp. 249-309) Recovered from
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rzanqW4xM53fGC-eNT8AlMb34gunumBu