Hierarchal vector boundary elements and p-adaption for 3-D electromagnetic scattering

This paper describes the development of new vector boundary elements for solving electromagnetic (EM) scattering problems. The new elements are suitable for the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE), electrical field integral equation (EFIE), or the combination field integral equation (CFIE). The basis functions are assigned to the edges of an element, rather than to its nodes. The new element guarantees the continuity of the normal component of the surface current across element edges. Furthermore, the basis functions are hierarchical from linear to higher order, which enables one to use the new elements in a p-adaption scheme.