Mesh termination schemes for the finite element method in electromagnetics
Date
2007-12
Authors
Young, Andre
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The finite element method is a very efficient numerical tool to solve geometrically
complex problems in electromagnetics. Traditionally the method is
applied to bounded domain problems, but it can also be forged to solve unbounded
domain problems using one of various mesh termination schemes.
A scalar finite element solution to a typical unbounded two-dimensional
problem is presented and the need for a proper mesh termination scheme is
motivated. Different such schemes, specifically absorbing boundary conditions,
the finite element boundary integral method and infinite elements, are formulated
and implemented. These schemes are directly compared using different
criteria, especially solution accuracy and computational efficiency.
A vector finite element solution in three dimensions is also discussed and a
new type of infinite element compatible with tetrahedral vector finite elements
is presented. The performance of this infinite element is compared to that of
a first order absorbing boundary condition.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Electrical and electronic engineering, Theses -- Electrical and electronic engineering, Finite element method, Electromagnetism, Electromagnetic waves