A method for rendering 3D finite element vector field solutions nondivergent

The use of the method of constraints for enforcing the zero divergence condition in vectorial finite-element schemes is discussed. An earlier implementation of the method was shown to produce the correct solution for a 3-D resonant cavity problem modeled by a single finite element. Partial success in extending the method to multielement cases is reported. The reduction in matrix size alone would justify the development of the technique for general multielement grids, but it will require the implementation of a global approach to the method of constraints.<>