As we move forward with Aether (our 3D electromagnetic program), we are simultaneously improving the 2D codes EMP and WaveSim. There are two reasons: 1) we are creating benchmark examples of increasing complexity to test the new code and 2) the 2D programs will be combined with Aether in the new Advanced Electromagnetic Design Suite. This package will address the full range of E&M simulations (microwave networks, electromagnetic compatibility, pulsed-power devices,…).
At present, we are using EMP to test electromagnetic pulse capabilities of Aether. The command language of EMP 6.5 will be modified to reduce user effort and the possibility of errors. The command set will include single statements to set the properties of common material types. For example, the statement to set Region 5 as a perfectly-conducting metal is:
Metal(5)
In response, the code sets values of relative dielectric constant and magnetic permeability to give very low characteristic impedance while maintaining the speed of light. Similarly, the following commands set a region as an ideal absorbing layer:
AbsLayer(6) 0.025 AbsLayer(3) 0.10 2.7 1.0
The first parameter is the thickness of the layer in the current units. The code calculates and sets the required electrical conductivity. The second form includes optional parameters to set relative dielectric constant or magnetic permeability if the layer is adjacent to a non-vacuum medium. We are also creating new tutorials and reorganizing the instruction manual to make it easier to learn the code and to find information.
There are two ways to set the spatial variation of currents to drive electromagnetic pulses in Aether:
- Define shaped regions and assign components of current density [Jx,Jy,Jz] from mathematical functions.
- Create filamentary coils of any shape with MagWinder.
In both cases, you can apply modulation functions to set the time-dependence of up to 10 independent sources. The interactive, graphical MagWinder program was developed to fabricate coils for Magnum. We anticipate several improvements as we progress with Aether. To date, we have added a new command to set the working directory for coil building and have corrected errors in the ROD model.
Use these links if you want more information about EMP or WaveSim:
http://www.fieldp.com/emp.html
http://www.fieldp.com/wavesim.html