The Method of Images in Velocity-dependent Systems

This study investigates the application of image methodology to velocity-dependent wave systems. Special Relativity is used for the analysis of waves scattered by arbitrary moving objects in the presence of a perfectly-conducting plane-interface. The various scenarios considered involve geometrical, material, and kinematic symmetries. Cases discussed include free-space, material media at-rest, and material media in motion, with respect to the plane-interface boundary. The last configuration is elaborated for two different scenarios: the first assumes the same medium velocity throughout space when the plane boundary is removed; the second introduces two symmetrical velocityfields in the half-spaces involved, with a jump in flow direction at the interface. Where the method applies it simplifies the analysis, and the results enrich our yet limited repertoire of canonical problems for relativistic scattering.