Phase velocity in oblique Angle propagation (Plane wave)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phase velocity of a plane wave propagating at an oblique angle, as referenced in Balanis' "Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics." The original poster seeks clarification on the significance of the phase velocity in the x-direction and why the resultant phase velocity differs from the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster derives the electric field and calculates phase velocities in both the z and x directions, questioning the importance of the x-direction velocity and the relationship between resultant phase velocity and light velocity.
  • Some participants suggest that the x velocity is equally important and question the textbook's omission of its discussion.
  • Others introduce a conceptual analogy involving a stick to illustrate the relationship between the velocities in different directions.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the significance of the x-direction phase velocity and its relationship to the z-direction phase velocity. There is an ongoing examination of the definitions and implications of these velocities, with some guidance provided through analogies, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion references specific equations and concepts from a textbook, indicating a reliance on established definitions and assumptions regarding wave propagation and phase velocity.

baby_1
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Homework Statement
Maxwell equation
Relevant Equations
V=xt
Hello,
Regarding the wave oblique angle propagation and based on Balanis "Advanced engineering Electromagnetic" book on page 136 ( it has been attached) I need to know why the phase velocity in x direction is not important to keep in step with a constant phase plane( Just equation 4-23).
question.JPG
I derived the electric filed:
\vec{E}=E_{x}(z)e^{-j\beta (xSin(\theta )+zCos(\theta ))}
For calculating the phase velocity we need to obtain the time-domain form:
\vec{E(t)}=Re\{E_{x}(z)e^{-j\beta (xSin(\theta )+zCos(\theta ))}e^{jwt}\}=E_{x}(z)Cos(\omega t-\beta (xSin(\theta )+zCos(\theta ))
Calculating the Z- phase velocity (X=0):
\frac{d}{dt}(\omega t-\beta zCos(\theta ))=0=>\omega -\beta \frac{dz}{dt}Cos(\theta )=0=>v_{z}=\frac{\omega}{\beta Cos(\theta )}
which is the same as the book. However,

1)First: I need to know why the x velocity (on x-axis) is not important.
x phase velocity:(z=0)
\frac{d}{dt}(\omega t-\beta xSin(\theta ))=0=>\omega -\beta \frac{dx}{dt}Sin(\theta )=0=>v_{x}=\frac{\omega}{\beta Sin(\theta )}
2)Second: Why the resultant phase velocity is not the same as the light velocity(v_{c}=\frac{\omega}{\beta})
\sqrt{v_{z}^2+v_{x}^2}=\sqrt{({\frac{\omega}{\beta Cos(\theta )})}^2+({\frac{\omega}{\beta Sin(\theta )})}^2}=(\frac{\omega}{\beta Sin(2*\theta )})
 

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baby_1 said:
1)First: I need to know why the x velocity (on x-axis) is not important.
The "x velocity" is just as important as the "z velocity". I guess that the textbook just decided not to mention the x velocity since it can be found in a similar manner to the z velocity. Below, I denote these velocities as ##u_x## and ##u_z##.

baby_1 said:
2)Second: Why the resultant phase velocity is not the same as the light velocity(v_{c}=\frac{\omega}{\beta})
\sqrt{v_{z}^2+v_{x}^2}=\sqrt{({\frac{\omega}{\beta Cos(\theta )})}^2+({\frac{\omega}{\beta Sin(\theta )})}^2}=(\frac{\omega}{\beta Sin(2*\theta )})
Imagine a stick moving with translational velocity ##\vec v## as shown below. The stick is the black line and ##\vec v## is perpendicular to the stick. The z and x components of ##\vec v## would be ##v_z= v \cos \theta## and ##v_x = v \sin \theta##.
1627072157553.png


The points of intersection of the stick with the z and x axes are shown in green. The speed at which the intersection with the z-axis moves along the z-axis is ##u_z = \frac{v}{\cos \theta}##. Similarly, for the speed of the intersection along the x-axis, ##u_x = \frac{v}{\sin \theta}##.

##u_z## and ##u_x## are not the z and x components of the velocity of some single point. In particular, they are not the z and x components of the velocity of some point on the stick. So, we do not expect ##v = \sqrt {u_z^2+u_x^2}##.

The textbook uses the notation ##v_{pz}## and ##v_{px}## for ##u_z## and ##u_x##. These should not be confused with the ##z## and ##x## components of the vector ##\vec v##: ##v_z## and ##v_x##.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Delta2, baby_1 and hutchphd
I see the Like is nothing to thank you. I really appreciate your explanations and the time you spent to draw the shape and explain more and more.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Delta2
You are welcome.
 

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