The signal quality and message integrity of DSRC-based V2V applications that alert drivers of reduced visibility and dangerous road weather conditions are maintained even in foggy environments.

University researchers simulate the influence of fog density on the performance of Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC).

Date Posted
12/30/2019
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Identifier
2019-L00921

DSRC Performance Analysis in Foggy Environment for Intelligent Vehicles System

Summary Information

The goal of this project was to simulate communications between two DSRC radio equipped vehicles, observe changes in the inter-vehicle distances between a lead and following vehicle based on driver headway visibility at varied fog levels, and then evaluate performance of the DSRC signal at these following distances as needed to share V2V Basic Safety Messages (BSMs) and other custom data such as fog density, rain speed, etc.

Using a graphical user interface simulating a Mercedes semi-truck cab driver view while traveling behind an Audi A8 at varied fog levels, participants recorded following distances ranging from 50 meters to 100 meters depending on visibility. Using these data and applying it to previous research that shows signal attenuation is dependent on the signal wavelength and the medium of propagation, and then noting the medium as the total amount of water (g/m3) resulting from fog water droplet size distribution and applying that to the simulation data, researches concluded that fog has a very minor effect on attenuating DSRC signals due to the negligible molecular absorption introduced by the fog’s water particles to the DSRC signal.

Lessons Learned

The results of the simulation indicated that a DSRC signal with a wavelength of 0.05 meter will persist in its integrity and quality while propagated through a foggy environment under a wide range of fog conditions and following distances.

Goal Areas
System Engineering Elements

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