Numerical electromagnetic analysis methods and its applications to surge phenomena

Full-wave numerical electromagnetic analysis (NEA) methods are defined as methodologies allowing the direct numerical solution of Maxwell´s equations in both frequency and time domain. These methods are becoming the most promising approach to study complex transient phenomena that cannot be straightforwardly solved by means of circuit-theory or transmission line approaches (e.g. by using Electromagnetic Transient Program - EMTP). Indeed, as known, circuit-theory/transmission line based approaches cannot solve transients that involve non-TEM propagation modes. Furthermore, they cannot be applied in case of unknown circuit parameters. Within the context of NEA, this paper describes the basic theory of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method as a representative NEA method. Also, some typical examples are presented to demonstrate its usefulness and advantages.