Parameter extraction and sensitivity analysis of the discrete RET model for radiowave propagation in inhomogeneous forests

This paper presents a scattering model, based on the Radiative Energy Transfer (RET), adapted to accommodate inhomogeneous vegetation volumes. The model is applied to a real size test forest, formed from 5 different tree species, randomly distributed throughout the test forest. The propagation model relies on four input parameters which were extracted from the different tree types forming the test forest. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the propagation model to the input parameters, results from different parameter sets are analysed. Such analysis is performed by comparing the model predictions with actual attenuation measurements performed at 11.2 and 40 GHz. Results suggest, that instead of extracting the parameters from each vegetation specie present in the forest, mean parameters may be used, at the expense of a limited of prediction quality deterioration.