Application of unmanned aerial vehicles in electromagnetic survey: normal magnetic field along AB line of alternating current

Abstract

   Background. The present study introduces the results of mathematical modeling for the scenario when a line of harmonically varying current at frequency f serves as a specified field source, positioned along a horizontal boundary of a conductive half-space. The computed parameters pertain
to the characteristics of the vertical component Hz of the alternating magnetic field in the air. The modeling is based on the solution of the corresponding direct problem in electrodynamics.

   Aim. To justify a potential methodology for measurements in electromagnetic survey utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

   Materials and methods. The study involves mathematical modeling and analysis of the obtained results.

   Results. The calculation results were obtained for a model corresponding to the scenario when a grounded generator line AB carrying a harmonically varying current I is positioned along a horizontal boundary of a conductive half-space with specific electrical resistance ρ₂, and a magnetic induction sensor located in the air is moving at a considerable height h above this boundary.

   Conclusion. The results of the modeling indicate the most “sensitive” characteristics of the magnetic field to the values of ρ₂, namely, the active component of Hz, which differs in phase from the current I by ±π/2, and the initial phase of this component.