University of KwaZulu-Natal, Faculty of Engineering Research Project Proposal Template (up to two pages in length)

All doctoral and research masters candidates, in consultation with the supervisor, must complete this template and attach it to the application forms as part of the admissions procedure. All applicants for admission to coursework masters degrees must submit this before they register for their dissertation.

Name of student:

ALONGE, Akintunde Ayodeji

Student no.

Degree Programme (e.g. MScEng in Mechanical Engineering) MSc (ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING)

Topic: CORRELATION OF RAIN DROPSIZE DISTRIBUTION WITH RAIN RATE DERIVED FROM DISDROMETERS AND RAIN GAUGE NETWORKS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Supervisor: DR. THOMAS AFULLO Co-supervisor(s): N/A

RESEARCH QUESTION: (Provide evidence that work will be performed at the appropriate academic level)
Which is the most appropriate rain drop-size distribution model for the estimation of rain fading in millimetric lineof-sight links in Southern Africa? Which is the most appropriate rain rate distribution model for the estimation of precipitation fading for millimetric line-of-sight links in Southern Africa? Derive regression models that show how these two rain variables are correlated, and thus used to predict attenuation due to precipitation in a line-of-sight path? Use the two approaches to predict rain attenuation over a 6.7-km LOS path. (In order to ensure that the level is appropriate, the student shall be expected to have at least 2 papers in peer-reviewed Conferences, and a paper submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal).

BACKGROUND / IMPORTANCE OF TOPICFor PhD only: provide evidence of originality of your proposed
study in relation to research area

The variability of rain dropsize distribution (DSD) in different climatic zones, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, has been a major concern in developing models of rain attenuation on a global basis. However, a comprehensive description of rain dropsize distribution in the tropical region is hindered by lack of adequate experimental data. Satellite communications at Ku and Ka bands and a number of short-haul, broad-band communication systems at millimeter wave bands drive the pressing need for modeling rain attenuation at frequencies above 10 GHz. While Olsen et al [1] have proposed rain attenuation determination from rain rate measurements (a procedure adopted by Fashuyi et al in determining rain attenuation in Durban [2]), Maitra has proposed an alternative approach using rain DSD for the Indian Region [3]. In this presentation, the candidate will therefore model the rain rate as well as the DSD for KwaZulu-Natal, and derive the correlation between the two.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES (What do you want to achieve? Provide anticipated measurable results and outcomes): 1. To determine the rain rate distribution Durban using measurements from the Pro Weather station.

2. To determine the monthly, seasonal, and annual DSD for Durban using data from the disdrometer. 3. To determine the correlation between drop-size and rain rate distributions. 4. To use both distributions to predict the LoS rain attenuation over a 6.7-km, 19.5 GHz, millimetric path.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH (Experimental, Statistical, field work, Critical assessment etc.): The student will analyse tipping bucket rain gauge data with an integration time of 1 minute, spanning 2 years. From this, the rain rate distribution for Durban will be determined. At the same time, the student will use a set of disdrometer data obtained for Durban to derive and profile the rain dropsize distribution. The student will derive formulae that enable the prediction of rain attenuation over the 6.7-km link from both DSD and rain rate distribution. The predicted attenuation will be compared with those obtained from actual measurements over the link.

REFERENCES: [1]. 1. R.L. Olsen, D.V. Rogers and D.B. Hodge, The aR b Relation in the Calculation of Rain Attenuation, IEEE Transaction Antennas Propagation, AP-26, N.2, 1978, pp. 547-556. [2]. M.O. Fashuyi, P.A. Owolawi, T.J.O Afullo, Rainfall Rate Modelling for LOS Radio Systems in South Africa, Transactions of South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), Vol.97 (1), pp.74-81, March 2006. [3]. Maitra, A, Rain Attenuation Modeling from Measurements of Rain dropsize Distribution in the Indian Region, IEEE Antennas and Wireless Prop. Letters, Vol 3, 2004, pp180-181. [4]. Fidele Moupfouma, Improvement of a Rain Attenuation prediction Method for Terrestrial Microwave Links, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. AP-32, No. 12, December 1984, pp. 1368-1372

RESOURCES (listing of equipment, resources and finances required):

ALL RESOURCES REQUIRED ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN RADIO ACCESS AND RURAL TECHNOLOGIES, School Of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering.

Hazardous Materials Clearance:

Ethical Clearance required:

Yes Yes

No................................... X No................................... X No................................... X

Confidentiality Agreement required: Yes

Note: Research where the biological, clinical, psychological and social processes in human beings and animals are studied and/or where harm or damage to the environment is a possibility, requires ethics review and clearance prior to commencement of the project and in particular prior to field work and/or data collection. The supervisor is responsible for consulting with the appropriate Committee(s) to ascertain whether the proposed research requires ethical clearance or not. Should there be hazardous materials useage, ethical clearance and/or confidentiality agreements applicable this must be brought to the attention of the Postgraduate Faculty Officer so that the necessary procedures can be followed.

Signature of candidate: Signature of Supervisor:

Date: Date: