Spurious modes in finite-element methods

This paper describes the problem of spurious modes that appear with finite-element solutions of the vector wave equation. It explains that this problem is caused by inconsistent approximations of the static solutions to the wave equation. Tangential-vector finite elements are described that enforce the tangential continuity of the vector field, but leave the normal component discontinuous. It is shown that tangential elements provide consistent approximations of the static solutions to wave problems, and that spurious modes are not produced by this type of finite element. Applications of the theory presented include problems from microwave and antenna design, and from electromagnetic compatibility.