An attenuation function for multiple knife‐edge diffraction

A recently derived attenuation function for multiple knife‐edge diffraction is described, and some example calculations are presented. The function, in the form of a multiple integral, is transformed into a series representation which is amenable to computer implementation. A program has been written to compute the attenuation over propagation paths containing up to a maximum of 10 knife‐edges. Attenuation curves for three example paths are presented showing the effects of multiple knife‐edges on the received signal. A means of estimating the statistical distribution of attenuation for a given path from statistical knowledge of the atmospheric surface refractivity is suggested.