Error Analysis of the Numerical Method for Correcting the Propagation of EM waves in the Troposphere

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) waves do not travel in straight lines in the troposphere due to refraction. This leads to errors in many engineering applications. In order to correct these errors, a numerical solution based on the difference method has been proposed, which can reveal the degree of EM wave bending owing to atmospheric refraction, moreover, it can predict the actual path of the EM wave propagating in the troposphere. The error of the numerical method is studied here, which reveals the source of the error. Based on this, two improvement methods are proposed. The computational accuracy of the numerical methods is verified by comparison with the analytical solution. The proposed method ensures the computational efficiency and accuracy of the problem of refraction of EM waves in the troposphere.

Index Terms
Difference method; propagation path; troposphere refraction; error analysis