Time domain solutions of Maxwell's equations using a finite-volume formulation

Abstract

A new method for solving Maxwell's equations in the time domain has been developed. The method approximates the integral form of the time-dependent Maxwell's equations using a finite-volume formulation. The method utilizes a staggered mesh and requires boundary conditions on the electric field or the magnetic field but not both. Predictions from the present method have been compared to exact solutions for a full three-dimensional calculation of a sphere and experimental measurements for a generic missile body. These comparisons show that the method is capable of accurately solving the time-dependent Maxwell's equations and yields accurate predictions of the radar cross section for arbitrary geometries. 38 refs.