Verification of computational electromagnetic programs

Abstract

Although software testing comprises a large body of knowledge and is extensively used in verification and validation (V&V) of software and software systems, the need to verify engineering software posses unique challenges. Electromagnetic programs fall under the category of so-called non-testable programs, a group that includes numerical computation and most other programs that use floating point operations. There are, however, certain techniques that can be used to check for program correctness in the context of expected behaviour and results. The approach to testing by multiple methods, multiple codes and multiple algorithms is well known as an effective tool in testing of scientific software. In addition, testing against canonical and known solutions, evaluation of programs based on properties of the computation performed and error analysis are all common techniques used to verify computer programs. Their use in the context of the TEAM series of problems and workshop is used as an example for a unique method of verification of programs and to underscore the needs of both users and program developers in this important issue of code validation.