Aether, a comprehensive suite for electromagnetic field simulations, will complete the AMaze series. The program will also be the final large development project in the Field Precision product line. Subsequently, we will concentrate on improving existing programs and expanding customer support. Aether is scheduled for release at the end of the summer.
Before describing Aether, I want to point out how you can influence the program capabilities. Over the years, we have had many requests from users for special numerical or analysis features in existing programs. Often, we cannot respond because of the large amount of work involved in retrofitting a program to meet a specialized application. The situation is different for Aether. We are at an early stage of development and we want ensure that the program addresses a broad spectrum of applications. We welcome your suggestions or requests. Use the comment form at the end of this post or contact me directly at humphriess@fieldp.com.
Aether will use the finite-element-finite difference (FETD) solution engine we developed for EMP3, but will have expanded capabilities. Some examples:
- The program will use input meshes from MetaMesh like the other AMaze programs, giving access to advanced features like SolidWorks import.
- For simulations of pulsed-power systems, the program will accept electrostatic solutions to set initial values (e.g., charged transmission lines).
- The post-processor will have much better graphics and sophisticated analysis capabilities.
- Steady-state time-domain solutions can be converted to complex-number form for analysis of S parameters and other characteristics of microwave systems.
The methods have been tested in EMP3 and also in the program RedWall developed under a Phase II SBIR contract for NIST. The main challenge is to incorporate them into a package that’s easy to use and that handles the full array of electromagnetic calculations.
Here’s the type of calculations that Aether will perform:
- Time-domain solutions of electromagnetic pulse propagation in complex systems.
- Automatic resonant-mode searches for 3D structures.
- Driven harmonic solutions for microwave device simulation.
- High accuracy electromagnetic scattering in free space.
If you’re interested in these areas, please let us know. Better yet, send us a sample problem that we can use to guide the code development.