The role of analysis in an age of computers: view from the analytical side (electromagnetic research)

The role of analysis in applied electromagnetics research, a field that is becoming more computer oriented, is examined. An attempt is made to elucidate whether one´s primary efforts should be directed towards the further development of computer techniques and solutions, with analysis playing a less important secondary role. A case is made for the importance of maintaining a continuing emphasis on the development of analytical tools and the need to develop more physical insight into complex phenomena, not at the expense of efforts to develop numerical techniques, but in parallel. Analytical and numerical methods are mutually supportive and optimum progress is made when they are properly balanced. From an examination of the past and current roles of analysis in electromagnetics research, it is concluded that a de-emphasis on analysis would lead to stagnation of the field because of a lack of new concepts and analytical tools being developed.<>