Plane Wave Calculator and formula

Plane waves are fundamental electromagnetic wave solutions that propagate through homogeneous, unbounded media without reflection or distortion from boundaries. Important characteristics of plane waves include phase velocity, wavelength, and wave impedance, which depend on the material properties and operating frequency. A Plane Wave Calculator is a computational tool designed to determine these parameters using the material’s relative permittivity (εᵣ), relative permeability (μᵣ), and frequency (f) as inputs. By applying electromagnetic wave propagation formulas derived from Maxwell’s equations, the calculator provides a fast and accurate way to analyze plane wave behavior in different media, such as free space, dielectrics and magnetic materials.

EXAMPLE:

INPUTS:

• Relative Permittivity (ε_r): 16
• Relative Permeability (μ_r): 4
• Frequency (f): 4 GHz

OUTPUTS:

• Phase Velocity (v_p): 3.75 x 10⁷ m/s
• Wavelength (λ): 0.009375 m
• Wave Impedance (η): 188.5 Ohm

Characteristics of TEM Plane Waves

The key properties are as follows.

• Exists in free space and homogeneous unbounded materials
• E and H are in phase in lossless media
• No longitudinal field components
• Travels with phase velocity:

• Energy propagates in the direction of wave travel

Plane Wave Equation

The Plane Wave formula computes key electromagnetic wave properties for plane waves traveling in unbounded materials. Using relative permittivity, relative permeability, and frequency as inputs, it calculates:

• Phase velocity : the speed at which the wave propagates through the medium
• Wavelength : the spatial distance between successive wave peaks
• Wave impedance : the ratio of electric to magnetic field strength in the medium

Summary:

This tool simplifies electromagnetic analysis, supports theoretical understanding, and aids in practical applications such as antenna design, wireless communication and microwave engineering. It provides an efficient method for studying how material properties affect wave propagation characteristics.