Computational electromagnetics

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Computational electromagnetics, computational electrodynamics or electromagnetic modeling refers to the process of modeling the interaction of electromagnetic fields with physical objects and the environment.

It typically involves using computationally efficient approximations to Maxwell's Equations and is used to calculate antenna performance, electromagnetic compatibility, radar cross section and electromagnetic wave propagation when not in free space.

Specific part of computational electromagnetics deals with electromagnetic radiation scattered and absorbed by small particles.

Contents

[edit] Background

Several real-world electromagnetic problems like scattering, radiation, waveguiding etc, are not analytically calculable, for the multitude of irregular geometries designed and used. The inability to derive closed form solutions of Maxwell's equations under various constitutive relations of media, and boundary conditions, is overcome by computational numerical techniques. This makes CEM, an important field in the design, and modeling of antenna, radar, satellite and other such communication systems, nanophotonic devices and high speed silicon electronics , medical imaging, cell-phone antenna design, among other applications.

CEM problems typically solve for the problem of computing the E (Electric), and H (Magnetic) fields across the domain of the problem (i.e to calculate antenna radiation pattern, for an arbitrarily shaped antenna structure is solved by CEM). Also, power flow direction (poynting vector), normal modes of a waveguide, dispersion of wave due to media, and scattering are quantities of interest, that can be computed from the knowledge of the E & H fields. CEM models, assume symmetry, simplify real world structures to cylinders, spheres, and other regular geometrical objects. CEM models, extensively make use of symmetry, and solve for reduced dimensions of the system from 3 spatial dimensions, to 2D and even 1D. CEM can be formulated into a various problems depending on any of the several quantities of interest mentioned previously. An Eigen value problem formulation of CEM allows us to calculate steady state normal modes in a structure. Transient response and impulse field effects are more accurately modeled by CEM in time domain, by FDTD. Treating curved geometrical objects is done more accurately by using finite elements FEM, or non-orthogonal grids. Beam propagation methods like BPM, solve for the power flow in waveguides. So, CEM model used is application specific, even if different techniques converge to the same field and power distributions in the modeled domain.

[edit] Methods

CEM can be used to model the domain generally by discretizing the space in terms of grids (both orthogonal, and non-orthogonal), and then solve the Maxwell's equations at each point in the grid. Naturally, such discretization of the computational space consumes computer memory, and solving the equations takes a longer time. Large scale CEM problems place computational limitations in terms of memory space, and CPU time on the computer. Generally CEM problems, as of 2007, are run on supercomputers, high performance clusters, vector processors and parallel computers; see article on, Parallel computing for more computer/machine specific details. Typical formulations involve either time-stepping through the Maxwell's equations over whole domain for each time instant; or through banded matrix inversion to calculate the weights of basis functions, when modeled by Finite element methods; or matrix products when using transfer matrix methods; or calculating integrals when using Method of Moments (MoM); or using FFT, and time iterations when calculating by the split-step method or by BPM.

[edit] Choice of methods

Discussion of which method is chosen when should go here. Integral equation solvers versus differential equation solvers. When and why to use high-frequency approximations.

[edit] Maxwell's equations in hyperbolic PDE form

Maxwell's equations can be formulated as a hyperbolic system of partial differential equations. This gives access to powerful mathematical theories for the numerical solutions of hyperbolic PDE's.

It is assumed that the waves propagate in the (x,y) plane and restrict the direction of the magnetic field to be parallel to the z-axis and thus the electric field to be parallel to the (x,y) plane. The wave is called a Transverse Electric (TE) wave. In 2D and no polarization terms present, Maxwell's equations can then be formulated as:

\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\bar{u} + A\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\bar{u} + B\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\bar{u} +C\bar{u} = g

where u, A, B and C are defined as:

\bar{u}=\left(\begin{matrix} E_x \\ E_y \\ H_z \end{matrix}\right)
A=\left(\begin{matrix} 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & \frac{1}{\epsilon} \\ 0 & \frac{1}{\mu} & 0 \end{matrix}\right)
B=\left(\begin{matrix} 0 & 0 & \frac{-1}{\epsilon} \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \frac{-1}{\mu} & 0 & 0 \end{matrix}\right)
C=\left(\begin{matrix} \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon} & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon} & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix}\right)

[edit] Integral equation solvers

[edit] The discrete dipole approximation

The discrete dipole approximation is a flexible technique for computing scattering and absorption by targets of arbitrary geometry. The formulation is based on integral form of Maxwell equations. The DDA is an approximation of the continuum target by a finite array of polarizable points. The points acquire dipole moments in response to the local electric field. The dipoles of course interact with one another via their electric fields, so the DDA is also sometimes referred to as the coupled dipole approximation. Resulting linear system of equations is commonly solved using the conjugate gradient iterations. Because discretization matrix has symmetries (the integral form of Maxwell equations has form of convolution) it is possible to use Fast Fourier Transform to multiply matrix times vector during the conjugate gradient iterations.

[edit] Method of moments (MOM) or boundary element method (BEM)

The Method of moments (MOM) or boundary element method (BEM) is a numerical computational method of solving linear partial differential equations which have been formulated as integral equations (i.e. in boundary integral form). It can be applied in many areas of engineering and science including fluid mechanics, acoustics, electromagnetics, fracture mechanics, and plasticity.

It has become more and more popular since the 1980s. Because it requires calculating only boundary values, rather than values throughout the space defined by a partial differential equation, it is significantly more efficient in terms of computational resources for problems where there is a small surface/volume ratio. Conceptually, it works by constructing a "mesh" over the modeled surface. However, for many problems boundary element methods are significantly less efficient than volume-discretization methods (Finite element method, Finite difference method, Finite volume method). Boundary element formulations typically give rise to fully populated matrices. This means that the storage requirements and computational time will tend to grow according to the square of the problem size. By contrast, finite element matrices are typically banded (elements are only locally connected) and the storage requirements for the system matrices typically grow quite linearly with the problem size. Compression techniques (e.g. multipole expansions or adaptive cross approximation/hierarchical matrices) can be used to ameliorate these problems, though at the cost of added complexity and with a success-rate that depends heavily on the nature of the problem being solved and the geometry involved.

BEM is applicable to problems for which Green's functions can be calculated. These usually involve fields in linear homogeneous media. This places considerable restrictions on the range and generality of problems to which boundary elements can usefully be applied. Nonlinearities can be included in the formulation, although they will generally introduce volume integrals which then require the volume to be discretized before solution can be attempted, removing one of the most often cited advantages of BEM.

[edit] Computer codes

Example computer codes using the MOM are:

[edit] Fast multipole method (FMM)

The fast multipole method (FMM) is a computational electromagnetic technique that may be applied instead of techniques like the method of moments (MoM) or Ewald summation. It is an accurate simulation technique and is computationally more efficient than the MoM. Both memory and processor runtime requirements are greatly reduced over the MoM. The FMM was first introduced by Greengard and Rokhlin and is based on the multipole expansion technique. Can be used to accelerate MOM.

[edit] Computer codes

Example computer codes using the FMM and its multilevel variant, MLFMM, are:

  • Puma-EM A high performance, parallelized, open source Method of Moments / Multilevel Fast Multipole Method electromagnetics code

[edit] Recursive T-Matrix Algorithms (RTMA)

[edit] Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC)

The partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method is a 3D full-wave modeling method suitable for combined electromagnetic and circuit analysis. Unlike the method of moments (MoM), PEEC is a full spectrum method valid from dc to the maximum frequency determined by the meshing. In the PEEC method, the integral equation is interpreted as Kirchhoff's voltage law applied to a basic PEEC cell which results in a complete circuit solution for 3D geometries. The equivalent circuit formulation allows for additional SPICE type circuit elements to be easily included. Further, the models and the analysis apply to both the time and the frequency domain. The circuit equations resulting from the PEEC model are easily constructed using a modified loop analysis (MLA) or modified nodal analysis (MNA) formulation. Besides providing a dc solution, it has several other advantages over a MoM analysis for this class of problems since any type of circuit element can be included in a straightforward way with appropriate matrix stamps. The PEEC method has recently been extended to include nonorthogonal geometries. This model extension, which is consistent with the classical orthogonal formulation, includes the Manhattan representation of the geometries in addition to the more general quadrilateral and hexahedral elements. This helps in keeping the number of unknowns at a minimum and thus reduces computational time for nonorthogonal geometries. [1]

[edit] Adaptive Integral Method (AIM)

[edit] Differential equation solvers

[edit] Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) is a popular computational electrodynamics modeling technique. It is considered easy to understand and easy to implement in software. Since it is a time-domain method, solutions can cover a wide frequency range with a single simulation run.

The FDTD method belongs in the general class of grid-based differential time-domain numerical modeling methods. Maxwell's equations (in partial differential form) are modified to central-difference equations, discretized, and implemented in software. The equations are solved in a leapfrog manner: the electric field is solved at a given instant in time, then the magnetic field is solved at the next instant in time, and the process is repeated over and over again.

The basic FDTD algorithm traces back to a seminal 1966 paper by Kane Yee in IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. The descriptor "Finite-difference time-domain" and its corresponding "FDTD" acronym were originated by Allen Taflove in a 1980 paper in IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility. Since about 1990, FDTD techniques have emerged as primary means to model many scientific and engineering problems dealing with electromagnetic wave interactions with material structures. Current FDTD modeling applications range from near-DC (ultralow-frequency geophysics involving the entire Earth-ionosphere waveguide) through microwaves (radar signature technology, antennas, wireless communications devices, digital interconnects, biomedical imaging/treatment) to visible light (photonic crystals, nanoplasmonics, solitons, and biophotonics). Approximately 30 commercial and university-developed FDTD software suites are available for use (see below).

[edit] External links

[edit] Multiresolution time-domain (MRTD)

An adaptive alternative to the finite difference time domain method (FDTD) based on wavelet analysis.

[edit] Finite element method (FEM)

The finite element method (FEM) is used for finding approximate solution of partial differential equations (PDE) and integral equations. The solution approach is based either on eliminating the differential equation completely (steady state problems), or rendering the PDE into an equivalent ordinary differential equation, which is then solved using standard techniques such as finite differences, etc.

In solving partial differential equations, the primary challenge is to create an equation which approximates the equation to be studied, but which is numerically stable, meaning that errors in the input data and intermediate calculations do not accumulate and cause the resulting output to be meaningless. There are many ways of doing this, all with advantages and disadvantages. The Finite Element Method is a good choice for solving partial differential equations over complex domains or when the desired precision varies over the entire domain.

[edit] Computer codes

Finite Element Programs with Online Free/Demo Version:

Other Finite Element Programs with Websites:

[edit] Pseudospectral Time Domain (PSTD)

This class of marching-in-time computational techniques for Maxwell's equations uses either discrete Fourier or Chebyshev transforms to calculate the spatial derivatives of the electric and magnetic field vector components that are arranged in either a 2-D grid or 3-D lattice of unit cells. PSTD causes negligible numerical phase velocity anisotropy errors relative to FDTD, and therefore allows problems of much greater electrical size to be modeled. For a recent comprehensive summary of PSTD techniques for Maxwell's equations, see Q. Liu and G. Zhao, "Advances in PSTD Techniques," Chapter 17 in Computational Electrodynamics: The Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method, A. Taflove and S. C. Hagness, eds., Boston: Artech House, 2005.

[edit] Pseudo Spectral Spatial Domain (PSSD)

This approach solves Maxwell's equations by propagating them forward in a chosen spatial direction. The fields are therefore held as a function of time, and (possibly) any transverse spatial dimensions. The method is pseudo spectral because temporal derivatives are calculated in the frequency domain with the aid of fast Fourier transforms. Because the fields are held as functions of time, this enables arbitrary dispersion in the propagation medium to be rapidly and accurately modelled with minimal effort. See J.C.A. Tyrrell et al, J.Mod.Opt. 52, 973 (2005).

[edit] Transmission line matrix (TLM)

Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) can be formulated in several means as a direct set of lumped elements solvable directly by a circuit solver (ala SPICE, HSPICE, et al), as a custom network of elements or via a scattering matrix approach. TLM is a very flexible analysis strategy akin to FDTD in capabilities, though more codes tend to be available with FDTD engines.

[edit] External links

[edit] Other methods

[edit] Physical optics (PO)

Physical optics (PO) is the name of a high frequency approximation (short-wavelength approximation) commonly used in optics, electrical engineering and applied physics. It is an intermediate method between geometric optics, which ignores wave effects, and full wave electromagnetism, which is a precise theory. The word "physical" means that it is more physical than geometric or ray optics and not that it is an exact physical theory.

The approximation consists of using ray optics to estimate the field on a surface and then integrating that field over the surface to calculate the transmitted or scattered field. This resembles the Born approximation, in that the details of the problem are treated as a perturbation.

[edit] Geometric theory of diffraction (GTD)

[edit] Physical theory of diffraction (PTD)

[edit] Uniform theory of diffraction (UTD)

The uniform theory of diffraction (UTD) is a high frequency method for solving electromagnetic scattering problems from electrically small discontinuities or discontinuities in more than one dimension at the same point.

The uniform theory of diffraction approximates near field electromagnetic fields as quasi optical and uses ray diffraction to determine diffraction coefficients for each diffracting object-source combination. These coefficients are then used to calculate the field strength and phase for each direction away from the diffracting point. These fields are then added to the incident fields and reflected fields to obtain a total solution.

[edit] Computer codes

[edit] Method of lines

[edit] See also

[edit] Validation

Validation is one of the key issue for most of the Electromagnetic Simulation codes. The question of the Validation of the simulation codes needs at least a section in this page. With the current development of simulation, it is mandatory for the user to understand and master the validity domain of its simulation. The question is not if the simulation is right or not, the question is to assess: "How far from the reality are the results?".

In order to answer this question, the Validation can be made in three different steps:

  • Comparison between Simulation results and analytical formulation

For example, one can assess the value of the RCS of a plate with the analytical formula:

RCS_{Plate} = \frac{4 \pi A^2}{\lambda^2}, where A is the surface of the plate and λ the wavelenght.

The next curve presenting the RCS of a plate computed at 35 GHz can be used as reference example.

  • Cross comparison between codes

For example the cross comparison in the validity domain of results from Method of Moment and Asymptotic Methods in their validity domains. As an illustration, the company OKTAL-SE made common development and cross comparison with the french research institute ONERA, comparing Method of Moment and Asymptotic methods. The cross comparison helps the validation process of the SE-RAY-EM code of OKTAL-SE. Illustration of the comparison between the SE-RAY-EM code and the ONERA reference code (right image).

  • Comparison of Simulation results with measurement

The final validation step is made by comparison between measurements and simulation. A very impressive example is given by the RCS calculation by SE-RAY-EM and the measurement made by FGAN-FHR of a complex metallic object at 35GHz. The computation implements GO, PO and PTD for the edges.

The full article presents a very interesting match between simulation and measurement (right image). This measurement and simulation have been made in Germany, hosted by the FGAN-FHR. The 3D object is public and not restricted. The measurement setup is presented and some of the differences can be explained by the differences between the experimental setup and its reproduction in the simulation environment.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) homepage

[edit] Computer codes

[edit] Free or shareware codes

  • Unofficial NEC homepage - an MoM code
  • Unoffical NEC archives - an MoM code
  • Meep - a free FDTD code from MIT
  • ScatLab - electromagnetic scattering simulations mainly based on classical Mie theory solution
  • Sonnet Lite -a free MoM code
  • Student's QuickField - a free FEA code
  • CEMTACH. ToyFDTD - free example FDTD and TLM codes, designed for introductory EM
  • Puma-EM A high performance, parallelized, open source Method of Moments / Multilevel Fast Multipole Method electromagnetics code
  • emGine Environment A free (for non-commercial purposes) TLM simulator with an open source graphical user interface
  • Yatpac An open source TLM simulation package
  • SMTP (A Source-Model Technique Package developed at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology)

[edit] Commercial codes

  • SE-RAY-EM code High Frequency solver implementing PO, GO and PTD for ultimate radar simulation sudies: RCS, SAR, Antennas, ... More details at www.oktal-se.fr
  • GEMS Simulator 2COMU
  • CST MICROWAVE STUDIO
  • EpsilonTM by Roke Manor Research Limited - a high frequency solver for RCS prediction
  • FEKO from EM Software & Systems. A hybridized MoM computational electromagnetics simulation software suite. Additional techniques include FEM, MLFMM, PO, UTD and special integral equation formulations.
  • General Electric Research in Niskayuna, NY
  • HFSS from Ansoft
  • IBM - Electronic Interconnect and Packaging sells software (to Juniper Networks) for chip design.
  • Infolytica provides MagNet, MotorSolve, ElecNet, ThermNet and OptiNet
  • JCMsuite from JCMwave GmbH A FEM package for time-harmonic, 2D and 3D scattering, resonance and waveguide problems, including edge elements up to 9th order, adaptivity, error control and fast solvers.
  • QuickField from Tera Analysis Ltd. FEA software for EM, Heat Transfer and Stress simulations. No training required!
  • SAIC (Champaigne-Urbana, IL) has specialized software to model radars, stealth technology, and DoD applications.
  • SEMCAD X by SPEAG
  • Vector Fields Ltd FDTD, FEM, MoM, High Frequency RF prediction and Low Frequency RF prediction.
  • EMC Studio from EMCoS - the calculation cores are based on the most efficient computational techniques like are Method of Moments (MoM), Method of Auxiliary Sources (MAS), Transmission Line Methods (MTL) and Network Analysis (SPICE, VHDL-AMS).

[edit] Pages with lists of codes

[edit] External links