A Study on Radio Wave Propagation in Chiang Dao Cave

Authors

  • Rangsan Wongsan Suranaree University of Technology
  • Peerasan Khamsalee Suranaree University of Technology
  • Akkhapun Wannakomol Suranaree University of Technology
  • Prayoth Kumsawat Suranaree University of Technology
  • Arthit Srikaew Suranaree University of Technology
  • Atawit Jantaupalee Suranaree University of Technology

Keywords:

In-cave communication system, Wave propagation in cave, Modeling of wave propagation in cave passages

Abstract

     During the Tham Luang Search and Rescue operation in 2018, a problem occurred from wireless communication system fail due to the fact that the frequencies used were highly attenuated while propagating in the cave. According to the radio wave propagation theory, low frequencies had surface-wave properties and could penetrate through rock layers of mountains. Therefore, the hypothesis was that radio communication with low frequencies could provide better propagation in the cave than higher frequencies. This paper presented a study on radio wave propagation in caves to verify the problem and the possibility of using different frequencies to communicate. The study was done in Chiang Dao cave, Chiang Mai. In addition, the study proposed a propagation model of the radio frequencies in the LF to UHF bands by using the cave's dimension, environment, and passages. The study result found that low-frequency band could transmit through large-sized cave passages or rock layers. In contrast, higher frequency band highly attenuated while propagating through the cave passage. Furthermore, it was found that the modeling result corresponded with the measurement result. Therefore, the study result could be beneficial for determining appropriate low frequency bands to develop effective cave communication systems in the future.

Author Biographies

Rangsan Wongsan, Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturer in School of Telecommunication Engineering, Institute of Engineering,
Suranaree University of Technology.

Peerasan Khamsalee, Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturer in School of Telecommunication Engineering, Institute of Engineering,
Suranaree University of Technology.

Akkhapun Wannakomol, Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturer in School of Geotechnology, Institute of Engineering,
Suranaree University of Technology.

Prayoth Kumsawat, Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturer in School of Telecommunication Engineering, Institute of Engineering,
Suranaree University of Technology.

Arthit Srikaew, Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturer in School of Electrical Engineering, Institute of Engineering,
Suranaree University of Technology.

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Published

25-11-2022

How to Cite

Wongsan, R., Khamsalee, P., Wannakomol, A., Kumsawat, P., Srikaew, A., & Jantaupalee, A. (2022). A Study on Radio Wave Propagation in Chiang Dao Cave. Journal of Digital Communications, 6(6), 123–147. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/NBTC_Journal/article/view/256861

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 6 (2022): December 2022

Section

Research article

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