A Solenoidal Finite Element Approach for Prediction of Radar Cross Sections

Abstract

This report considers the solution of problems that involve the scattering of plane electromagnetic waves by perfectly conducting obstacles. Such problems are governed by the Maxwell equations. An interesting facet of the solution of Faraday's law and Ampere's law, which on their own form a complete equation set for the determination of the field intensity components, is that there are the additional conservation statements of Coulomb's law and Gauss's law, which appear to be in excess of requirements. Often, these additional constraints are neglected due to an inability to incorporate them into the solution scheme. With the successful development of a solenoidal finite element for the solution of viscous incompressible flows, such a device now offers a practical means for the solution of the full Maxwell equations. To demonstrate the validity of this assertion, a suitable solution scheme is presented, accompanied by sample results for various test problems