Level set-based structural topology optimization of a metallic waveguide loaded with ferrite

Abstract

This paper discusses a level set-based topology optimization method for the design of metallic waveguides loaded with ferrite inclusions. Ferrite materials can have frequency dependent permeability value due to the magnetic resonance phenomenon in a specific frequency range that can be altered by the magnitude of an external DC magnetic field. Thus, a rectangular waveguide loaded with periodic ferrite inserts can offer advantages in the tunability of operating frequencies and compactness. Here, the level set-based topology optimization incorporating a fictitious interface energy is used to find the configuration of ferrite materials in the waveguide that maximizes the transmission power of electromagnetic waves at prescribed frequencies. The objective function is formulated to maximize the transmission coefficient S21 at prescribed desirable frequencies. A numerical example is provided to examine the validity and utility of the presented method.