Numerical Full Wave Solution Techniques for the Calculation of Low Frequency Plane Wave Fields in the Ionosphere

ABSTRACT

A numerical technique for calculating the detailed properties and characteristics of low frequency, continuous plane radio waves propagating in a horizontally stratified ionosphere is described. A derivation of the equations governing plane radio wave propagation in the ionosphere is also included. Both the classical Appleton-Hartree formulation and the generalized form of the equations which accounts for the presently accepted dependence of electron collision frequency on electron energy are presented. Several practical applications of the technique are reviewed.