Mapped Vector Basis Functions for Electromagnetic Integral Equations

Vector basis functions of the divergence-conforming and curl-conforming types are explained, and specific interpolatory and hierarchical basis functions are reviewed. For illustration, results are presented for examples that employ divergence-conforming basis functions with the EFIE and curl-conforming basis functions with the MFIE.

The method-of-moments solution of the electric field and magnetic field integral equations (EFIE and MFIE) is extended to conducting objects modeled with curved cells. These techniques are important for electromagnetic scattering, antenna, radar signature, and wireless communication applications. Vector basis functions of the divergence-conforming and curl-conforming types are explained, and specific interpolatory and hierarchical basis functions are reviewed. Procedures for mapping these basis functions from a reference domain to a curved cell, while preserving the desired continuity properties on curved cells, are discussed in detail. For illustration, results are presented for examples that employ divergence-conforming basis functions with the EFIE and curl-conforming basis functions with the MFIE. The intended audience includes electromagnetic engineers with some previous familiarity with numerical techniques.