Develop a model to know the influence of electromagnetic waves on the body

2015/01/22 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingeniaritza
• Fisika
• Teknologia

The researcher Erik Aguirre has developed at the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) a simulation model of the impact of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on the body.

Aguirre has clarified that non-ionizing radiation does not have the risks of the ionizer, but in fact it has influence on the body. The developed model serves, among other things, to check compliance with the regulations that limit the radiation we receive. “Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or ultraviolet radiation, can cause alterations within the cells in the DNA. Non-ionizing radiation does not have this capacity, but from a certain level it heats the tissues. The regulations, therefore, aim to avoid this impact.”

The simulation method has been based on a tool called 3D ray tracing developed by UPNA itself. Using the scientific bibliography, he developed a 3D model of the human body compatible with this technique. According to Aguirre, this was, perhaps, the most complicated aspect of the investigation. In any case, he is satisfied with the result, since the objective is “to know through a simulation how the electromagnetic field reaches the body”.

To evaluate the simulation, the results have been compared with the real data. For this purpose, tests have been conducted in different areas, such as laboratory and car. “We also simulated the Airbus A320 and A380 aircraft, but we have not been able to make real measurements and compare them,” said Aguirre.

The co-directors of the thesis were Francisco Falcone Lanas and Luis Serrano Arriezu, researchers of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of the UPNA, obtaining the rating of outstanding cum laude.