Topological Model of an Electromagnetic Environment Inside a Ship for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Analysis

Abstract

The mutual electromagnetic (EM) interactions between electrical and electronic devices in a segmented space, such as a ship’s environment, are described. Knowledge of EM interference signal (EM disturbance) distribution is important when setting correct locations for electrical and electronic equipment in a ship’s environment. Firstly, the topological structure of a ship’s segmented internal environment (under the main deck), which consists of many electrical screening walls (shielding planes), is presented. The planes attenuate the EM disturbances. Then, taking into account the ship’s topological structure, a general description of the EM disturbance distribution, called the ship’s topological electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) model, is formulated using matrix expressions. This model includes EM disturbances that radiate from a ship’s own internal sources (located under the main deck) and/or external sources (located above the main deck), and/or that radiate from extraneous external sources, i.e., from other ships and/or aircrafts. A description of the model for an example EMC ship scenario and a partial verification of its measurements are shown and discussed. Finally, a discussion of the usefulness of the proposed model in an analysis of a ship’s EMC conditions concludes this study.