Izvestiya of Saratov University.

Mathematics. Mechanics. Informatics

ISSN 1816-9791 (Print)
ISSN 2541-9005 (Online)


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Smaglichenko T. A. Merging of Euler’s method with trigonometric functions for accurate ray path in a two-gradient medium. Izvestiya of Saratov University. Mathematics. Mechanics. Informatics, 2026, vol. 26, iss. 2, pp. 175-186. DOI: 10.18500/1816-9791-2026-26-2-175-186, EDN: EVOAWM

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English
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517.98
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EVOAWM

Merging of Euler’s method with trigonometric functions for accurate ray path in a two-gradient medium

Autors: 
Smaglichenko Tatyana A., Oil and Gas Institute Russian Academy of Sciences
Abstract: 

In this paper, an analytical solution is presented to provide an accurate trajectory of a ray propagating from the known position of the source to the receiver in a two-gradient medium. A system of two linear gradients connects two different layered media when the transition from one to the other occurs at some boundary. Within each medium, refractive indices determine the propagation of waves and, accordingly, the curved trajectories of rays. Different radii of curves make it difficult to track the ray as it propagates from the source to the receiver. Euler's method provides an exact solution for a one-gradient model. However, in the case of two gradients, the accurate solution cannot be obtained because of the underdetermined common system for ray curves and computational complexity. In this paper, a technique is described that combines Euler's method and trigonometric functions to derive direct formulas for calculating key angles responsible for the ray path in both gradient media. An exact solution overcomes the drawbacks of iterative approaches, which are subject to computational errors. The basic formula developed for two-gradient models was tested using a small set of real data by transforming it into a particular case of a one-gradient model. The independence of the evaluations is confirmed by comparing the calculated parameters with those taken from an earlier publication. The derived formulas are essential for solving problems in oil and gas exploration, geothermal exploration, and other challenges related to energetics. The solution can be extended for acoustic, optical, and other tasks.

Acknowledgments: 
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (project No. 125021302095-2 “Fundamental basis of innovative, digital technologies for forecasting, prospecting, exploration and development of oil and gas resources (fundamental, prospecting, applied, economic and interdisciplinary research until 2030)”). We are grateful to Kristin Vogfjord (Icelandic Meteorological Office, Reykjavik) for useful discussion about gradient models. Also, we thank Martin Hensch for providing us with the data.
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Received: 
30.09.2025
Accepted: 
06.03.2026
Published: 
01.06.2026