Low Frequency Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) for Modeling of Induced Fields in Humans Close to Line Sources

The implementation of a low frequency line source as a source function in the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is presented. The total–scattered field formulation is employed, along with a recently developed quasi-static formulation of the FDTD. Line-source modeling is important in the utility industry, where a more accurate prediction of the fields induced in workers in close proximity to power lines is required. The line-source representation is verified, and excellent agreement with analytic solutions is found for two object problems. A practical example of the electric fields and current densities induced in a human body in close proximity to a 60-Hz transmission line is evaluated. The results for predicted organ dosimetry for such a configuration are compared with predictions for the uniform electric field and demonstrate the induced fields and current densities can be significantly higher than originally predicted for the uniform electric field exposure on a ground plane.