Hybrid methods for electromagnetic scattering simulations on overlapping grids

The numerical simulation of practical electromagnetic scattering problems often involves geometries that are complex in shape and that may contain small scale features. The result is a large scale simulation and this requires solution techniques that are efficient, in terms of both computer time and computer memory requirements. In addition, it is advantageous if the method adopted exhibits a high degree of flexibility from the viewpoint of mesh generation. Hybrid methods, based upon the coupling of the structured grid finite difference time domain approach with an unstructured finite element or finite volume time domain procedure, appear ideally suited to meet these requirements. The structured grid method is memory and time efficient, while the unstructured grid methods readily handle general geometries, allowing detailed definition of small scale features. This paper presents the results of an initial investigation into the possibility exploiting these advantages in electromagnetic scattering simulations.

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