On modeling wireless radio-frequency energy propagation in below-deck ship spaces

Radio-frequency (RF) wireless communications and sensor networks are currently being deployed in coupled reflective spaces commonly found in aviation, shipping, automotive, and warehousing industries. In this work, a general time-dependent RF energy propagation model is demonstrated and validated from channel measurements conducted in the below-deck spaces of a ship. Measurement results indicate that the model can be applied with very good accuracy to real complex coupled spaces. The derived channel model parameters aid in making electromagnetic compatibility assessments of wireless network emissions in these multipath environments.