Analysis of Rain-Induced Attenuation at Ku-V Band Using Gamma Drop Size Distribution Model Over a Tropical Region

In this paper, modeling of rain drop size distribution (DSD) and analysis of rain-induced attenuation are analyzed based on Gamma DSD model in a tropical location. Three years (2013–2015) data rainfall parametersnamely: Rain rate (RR) in mmh−1, No of drops N (D) in m−3 mm−1, and drop velocity (W) in ms−1 measured using vertically-pointing Micro Rain Radar (MRR) installed at the Department of Physics, the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria were employed. The drop sizes were classified into drizzle, widespread, shower and thunderstorm rain types using the rain rate parameters. The gamma distribution model was employed due to its high significant of correlation when compared to other distributions. Its parameters were estimated using method of moment with the 3rd, 4th and 6th moment. The results obtained were applied to the computation of specific attenuation based on Mie scattering function at 25.33 °C for frequency window of 10–60 GHz. The result shows that the specific rain attenuation increases with frequency. However, performance above 40 GHz relative to increase in frequency in the frequency window considered shows no significant change in the extinction coefficient. The overall results would be useful for future millimeter wave communication systems for this region.