A general dielectric model for time domain reflectometry

Dielectric models are used for time domain reflectometry and other means of measuring the permittivity of a material, for translation from permittivity to moisture content. A pragmatic dielectric model was developed and could be employed for moisture measurement in a range of materials. The model uses several physical parameters that may be obtained through measurement or estimated from published data, and one free parameter. Results for coarse-grained soil, bentonite clay, and three species of timber demonstrate good agreement with published data. (C) 2003 Silsoe Research Institute. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd.