Optimal discretization based adaptive finite element analysis for electromagnetics with vector tetrahedra

Efficient functional derivative formulas suitable for optimal discretization based refinement criteria are developed for 3-D adaptive finite element analysis (FEA) with vector tetrahedra. Results for generalized vector Helmholtz systems are derived directly from first principles, and confirmed numerically through fundamental benchmark evaluations. Practical adaption applications are illustrated for selected FEA refinement models.