NUMERICAL STUDIES OF ABSORPTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY BY MAN
Mark Joseph Hagmann · 1978
This 1978 thesis developed mathematical methods still used today to calculate electromagnetic energy absorption in human bodies.
Plain English Summary
This 1978 doctoral thesis developed numerical methods to calculate how electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the human body. The research created mathematical models to predict energy absorption patterns in human tissue when exposed to electromagnetic fields. This foundational work helped establish the scientific basis for understanding EMF exposure levels in humans.
Why This Matters
This thesis represents pioneering work in EMF dosimetry - the science of measuring electromagnetic energy absorption in biological tissue. In 1978, Hagmann was developing the mathematical foundations that would later become essential for setting safety standards and designing safer technology. The numerical methods explored in this research likely contributed to our modern understanding of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) calculations, which determine how much electromagnetic energy your body absorbs from devices like cell phones and WiFi routers. What makes this work particularly significant is its timing - this was early foundational research that helped establish the scientific framework we still use today to assess EMF exposure risks. The mathematical models developed here continue to inform how we evaluate whether our daily technology use stays within recommended safety limits.
Finding
Calculated values of energy deposition for the model are in good agreement with experimental values for phantom models. Ground, reflector, and multibody effects have been treated numerically with models of man for the first time. The results of numerical solutions are in good agreement with antenna theory and experimental values for phantom models.
In their words
“Calculated values of energy deposition for the model are in good agreement with experimental values for phantom models. Ground, reflector, and multibody effects have been treated numerically with models of man for the first time. The results of numerical solutions are in good agreement with antenna theory and experimental values for phantom models.”
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To develop a realistic model of man for electromagnetic energy deposition studies and to establish convergence criteria for moment-method solutions in electromagnetics
A realistic model of man was made using an array of 180 cubical cells to represent the form of the 5...
Calculated values of energy deposition for the model are in good agreement with experimental values ...
A new synthesis procedure has been developed for the design of antenna arrays where stepwise variation is desired in the radiation pattern. Convergence criteria have been established for moment-method solutions in electromagnetics. Two new procedures have been developed for improving convergence of numerical solutions in the two-dimensional electromagnetic problem. Two interpolants have been developed which improve convergence of numerical solutions in the three-dimensional electromagnetic problem. A realistic model of man has been made using an array of 180 cubical cells to represent the form of the 50th percentile standard man. Calculated values of energy deposition in the homogeneous model are in good agreement with experimental values for homogeneous phantom models. Ground, reflector, and multibody effects have been treated numerically with models of man for the first time. The dependence of energy deposition on frequency and spacing from reflectors has been found to be consistent with antenna theory. Multibody effects, first predicted from antenna theory, have been confirmed with numerical calculations and animal experiments.
Show BibTeX
@article{numerical_studies_of_absorption_of_electromagnetic_energy_by_man_g5351,
author = {Mark Joseph Hagmann},
title = {NUMERICAL STUDIES OF ABSORPTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY BY MAN},
year = {1978},
}