Investigation of the Validity of the Image Model for the Analysis of Spherical Wave Reflection

The validity of the image model is investigated both analytically and experimentally in a half space with an infinite single reflecting surface present. This paper exploits the Sommerfeld integral that represents the exact solution for the reflected field in the half space. The solution is shown to be obtained by direct numerical integration which yields more accurate and stable results. The predicted results from the image model are compared to those from the direct numerical integration of the Sommerfeld integral. It is also experimentally demonstrated that the image model gives acceptably accurate results. It is of significance that this paper reveals analytical and experimental validation of using the image model except near-grazing incidence.