Collaborative Research: Very-Near-Ground Wireless Channel Modeling: Theory and Practice

本研究的目的是开发无线电波传播的信道模型与天线安装非常接近地面（H+），在地面水平（H 0），和/或覆盖的冰，水，雪，或其他材料（H-）。该方法是通过在消声室和真实的环境中进行的仿真、分析和测量来评估非常近地天线信道的时间、空间和频谱统计特性。智力优势：开展的研究包括：1）为H+/H 0/H-无线电信道在宽频率范围内开发基于物理的传播模型，以解决各种应用; 2）探索发射器和接收器天线高度、频率、带宽、粗糙表面材料以及粗糙度对信道模型的影响; 3）研究了近地面信道色散及其对到达方向和到达时间估计的影响; 4）研究了地面粗糙度和频带宽度对振幅、相位和到达时间统计在视线和非视线的情况下，以及空间相关性和它对多输入多输出系统的影响;更广泛的影响：这项研究将使无线传感器网络和定位系统的应用，如自主避碰，多机器人协作，安全服务（消防），和地下勘探，这将有利于国家经济和安全的优化设计。该项目将研究与教育和推广活动结合起来。通过实验室活动和测量过程的实际应用证明了理论工作。将为本科生和学校教师提供实践经验。代表性不足的少数民族学生将被招收进入工程教育。

The objective of this research is to develop channel models for radio wave propagation with antennas installed very near ground (H+), at ground level (H0), and/or covered by ice, water, snow, or other materials (H-). The approach is to evaluate the temporal, spatial and spectral statistical characteristics of very near ground antenna channels through simulations, analysis, and measurements conducted in an anechoic chamber and in real environments. Intellectual Merit: The conducted research includes: 1) development of physics-based propagation models for H+/H0/H- radio channels over a wide range of frequencies to address a variety of applications; 2) exploration of the effect of transmitter and receiver antenna heights, frequency, bandwidth, rough surface materials, and the degree of roughness on the channel model; 3) investigation of near-ground channel dispersion and its impact on direction-of-arrival and time-of-arrival estimation; 4) study of the effect of ground roughness and bandwidth on amplitude, phase, and time-of-arrival statistics in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios as well as spatial correlation and its effect on multi-input-multi-output systems; and 5) design of proper antenna elements and antenna arrays for H+/H0/H- situations.Broader Impacts: This research should enable optimal design of wireless sensor networks and localization systems for applications such as autonomous collision avoidance, multi-robot collaboration, safety services (firefighting), and under-ground exploration, which would benefit the national economy and security. This project integrates research with education and outreach activities. The theoretical work is demonstrated by practical applications through laboratory activities and measurement processes. Hands-on experiences will be provided for undergraduate students and school teachers. Underrepresented minority students will be recruited into engineering education.