Scattering from complex three-dimensional geometries by a curvilinear hybrid finite-element–integral equation approach

Abstract

A three-dimensional curvilinear hybrid finite-element–integral equation approach is developed. The hybrid finite-element–integral equation method is formulated in general curvilinear coordinates so that arbitrarily curved geometries can be modeled without approximations. The advantages of the finite-element and the integral equation methods are used to eliminate the disadvantages of both methods. For modeling regions of inhomogeneous or anisotropic materials, in which the integral equation method is difficult to implement, the finite-element method is used. The problem with the finite-element method of accurately terminating the computational mesh is eliminated by application of the exact boundary integral equation. The hybrid finite-element–integral equation code is validated on a range of composite curvilinear geometries against measured data or analytical solutions.