Boundary Element Modeling of the Realistic Human Body Exposed to Extremely-Low-Frequency (ELF) Electric Fields: Computational and Geometrical Aspects

• Published in: IEEE transactions on electromagnetic compatibility Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 153 - 162
• Main Authors: Gonzalez, M.C., Peratta, A., Poljak, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-02-2007; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Assessments; Boundary element method; Boundary element method (BEM); Boundary element methods; Current density; Electric fields; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electromagnetic compatibility; Electronic equipment and fabrication. Passive components, printed wiring boards, connectics; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; extremely low frequencies (ELFs); Human body; Human factors; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Miscellaneous; Power distribution lines; Power networks and lines; Substations; Transformers and inductors; extremely low frequencies (ELFs); Substation; Electric energy transportation; Human body; power distribution lines; Microwave; Boundary element method (BEM); Power electronics; Numerical method; Vulnerability; Three dimensional field; Density distribution; Power transformer; Modeling; Millimetric wave; Electric field; Transformer substation; Extremely low frequency; Current distribution; Numerical simulation; Mathematical model; Boundary element method; Power transmission line
• ISSN: 0018-9375; 1558-187X
• DOI: 10.1109/TEMC.2006.888167

This paper presents the human exposure assessment to high-voltage extremely-low-frequency (ELF) fields by the three-dimensional (3-D) boundary element method (BEM). The formulation is based on a realistic, anatomically based representation of the human body. The main objective is to analyze the influence of the relative position of the arms with respect to the body on the axial distribution of current density along the body and to determine the most vulnerable regions. Numerical results along head, neck, torso, abdomen, arms, legs, and ankles are presented and discussed in the case of grounded subject standing under power-distribution lines and in the vicinity of power transformer substations