Efficient Finite Element Analysis of Axially Symmetrical Waveguides and Waveguide Discontinuities

A combination of the body-of-revolution and finite element methods is adopted for full-wave analysis of waveguides and waveguide discontinuities involving angular field variation. Such an approach is highly efficient and much more flexible than analytical techniques. The method is performed in two different cases: utilizing a generalized impedance matrix to determine the scattering parameters of a single waveguide section and utilizing periodic boundary conditions without sources. In order to confirm the validity and efficiency of both approaches, a few examples of axially symmetrical structures have been analyzed. The obtained results are compared to those obtained from commercial software and available in the literature.