A Methodology for Antenna Design via the Finite Element Method

In this paper, a domain decomposition approach for design purposes is proposed. The analysis domain is divided into subdomains according to the arbitrarily-shaped parts that should be modified in the synthesis process. A full-wave matrix-valued transfer function describes each decomposition subdomain, namely, an admittance-type matrix. Field continuity between subdomains is directly enforced by an admittance matrix connection. This methodology makes it possible to analyze only those parts of the analysis domain that are supposed to evolve in order to satisfy the design specifications. In addition, further exploitation of matrix-valued transfer functions describing electromagnetic phenomena is proposed. New computational domain ports are allowed as field expansion in terms of piecewise basis functions is considered. As a result, a multiport network manages all electromagnetic complexity. Circuit handling of this network efficiently outperforms full-wave analyses for different modifications of the actual structure. A model order reduction process is also used for fast frequency sweeping. Finally, several examples demonstrate the robustness, capability and versatility of the proposed techniques.