An exact point source starting field for the Fourier parabolic equation in outdoor sound propagation

Abstract

A method for exactly representing a point source starting field in a Fourier parabolic equation calculation is presented. The formulation is based on an exact, analytic expression for the field in vertical wave number space (k space). The field in vertical coordinate space (z space) is obtained via a Fourier transform of the k-space field. Thus, one can directly control the Fourier components of the starting field, so that nonpropagating components are excluded. The relation of the exact starting field to the standard Gaussian starting field is demonstrated analytically. Examples of the numerical implementation of the exact starting field are given.