Solution procedures for three-dimensional eddy current problems

Abstract

The problem under consideration is that of the scattering of time periodic electromagnetic fields by metallic obstacles. A common approximation here is that in which the metal is assumed to have infinite conductivity. The resulting problem, called the perfect conductor problem, involves solving Maxwell's equations in the region exterior to the obstacle with the tangential component of the electric field zero on the obstacle surface. In the interface problem different sets of Maxwell equations must be solved in the obstacle and outside while the tangential components of both electric and magnetic fields are continuous across the obstacle surface. Solution procedures for this problem are given. There is an exact integral equation procedure for the interface problem and an asymptotic procedure for large conductivity. Both are based on a new integral equation procedure for the perfect conductor problem. The asymptotic procedure gives an approximate solution by solving a sequence of problems analogous to the one for perfect conductors.