The finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) method for numerical modeling of electromagnetic scattering

Recent applications of the finite-difference-time-domain (FD-TD) numerical modeling approach for Maxwell's equations are reviewed. The objects modeled to date range from simple 2D geometric shapes to extremely complex 3D aerospace and biological systems. General characteristics of FD-TD are presented. Four applications dealing with electromagnetic scattering by canonical two and three-dimensional targets are examined: four circular dielectric/permeable cylinder, conformally modeled; metal cube, broadside incidence; 3D T-shaped conducting target with a monostatic radar-cross-section (RCS) pattern; and trihedral metal corner reflector with a monostatic RCS pattern. It is shown that FD-TD predictive data for near fields and RCSs are in excellent agreement with the benchmark data.<
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