Abstract: Basing on the difference of directions of phase constant and attenuation constant when the electromagnetic wave propagates in conductive medium, using the boundary conditions of electromagnetic wave at the interface of conductive media, the relation equation about directions of phase constant and attenuation constant is derived. The results show that φ and φ satisfy sin φ/sin φ =Ac, where φ and φ are the angles between phase con sin stant, attenuation constant and the normal of the interface respectively, Ac is a constant. The results also indicate the changes of directions of phase constant and attenuation constant are caused when the electromagnetic wave is refracted from one medium into another, and the changes occur on the conductive interface, several examples about layer conductive media are analysed too.

Key words: inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave, phase constant, attenuation constant