Simulation Modeling Methods

The foundational numerical methods used in electromagnetic modeling. Here's a clear breakdown:

FEM – Finite Element Method

What it is:
FEM breaks a complex 3D space (like a device or building enclosure) into many small, discrete “elements” (usually tetrahedrons or cubes). The field equations (like Maxwell’s) are solved within each element and then stitched together to model the entire domain.

Used for:

Modeling complex geometries (like curved surfaces or layered shielding materials)
Low-frequency EM field problems (e.g., magnetic field leakage from transformers)
Simulating electrostatics, grounding systems, and shielding effectiveness

FDTD – Finite-Difference Time-Domain

What it is:
FDTD solves Maxwell’s equations over time by modeling how EM fields change at every point in space and time. Space is divided into a grid, and field values are updated iteratively, like a movie frame-by-frame.

Used for:

High-frequency simulations (RF, microwave, antenna interactions)
Time-domain signal behavior (EM pulse propagation, crosstalk, reflections)
Fast simulation of wave-based behavior in complex media