Adaptive-mesh refinement of finite-element solutions for two-dimensional electromagnetic problems

The finite-element method has emerged as an important tool in computational electromagnetics. Accurate solutions require fine meshes, with commensurately large computational requirements. We discuss the use of adaptive methods to refine the mesh as needed, for a more efficient use of the computational resources. Both h-adaptation (smaller elements) and p-adaptation (higher-order elements) are described. Good results have been obtained for energy-related errors within the FEM mesh. However, results for far-field parameters, such as radar (echo) width, are less promising.