A special higher order finite-element method for scattering by deep cavities

A special higher order finite-element method is presented for the analysis of electromagnetic scattering from a large, deep, and arbitrarily shaped open cavity. This method exploits the unique features of the finite-element equations and, more importantly, the unique features of the problem of scattering by a large and deep cavity. It is designed in such a manner that it uses minimal memory, which is proportional to the maximum cross section of the cavity and independent of the depth of the cavity, and its computation time increases only linearly with the depth of the cavity. Furthermore, it computes the scattered fields for all angles of incidence without requiring significant additional time. The technique is implemented with higher order tetrahedral and mixed-order prism elements, both having curved sides to allow for accurate modeling of arbitrary geometries. Numerical results show that higher order elements yield a remarkably more accurate and efficient solution for scattering by three-dimensional (3-D) cavities. Of the two kinds of element, the mixed-order prism is optimal for the proposed special solver.