Self-consistent schemes in the problem of electromagnetic wave propagation through dielectric media with isolated inhomogeneities

Two main self-consistent schemes (the effective field and effective medium methods) are applied for the calculation of phase velocities and attenuation factors of plane monochromatic electromagnetic waves in dielectric media with random sets of spherical inclusions. The results of the calculations obtained in the frameworks of the methods are investigated and compared in a wide region of volume concentrations of inclusions and frequencies of exciting fields. This analysis together with experimental data given in literature allows to evaluate the region of application of the methods for the solution of the considered problem.