Two-way split-step Fourier and finite element based parabolic equation propagation tools: Comparisons and calibration

Abstract

Parabolic equation (PE) has long been widely used in groundwave propagation modeling [1] because of its high capability in modeling atmospheric refraction and irregular terrain effects. It yields accurate electromagnetic signal strength contours of a given two-dimensional range-height propagation map. The most effective PE model is based on step-by-step Fourier transformation between transverse spatial and wavenumber domains. The so-called split-step parabolic equation (SSPE) method is a one way, forward scatter model (see, e.g., public domain virtual packages [2,3]). Recently, a two-way SSPE algorithm (2W-SSPE) was introduced to account for both forward- and backward-propagating waves over an arbitrary terrain [4,5].