Systematic construction of two-dimensional higher-order vector finite element and its application to waveguide analysis

In electromagnetic field analysis, a systematic method of construction is p resented for higher-order vector elements without respect to order. From th e Helmholtz theorem, the vector basis functions are chosen. From the simila rity with the scalar elements, the shape functions are determined by assign ing the constraints of vector elements. The meaning of the position and dir ection of the vector indicated in the element is clarified. Further, the pr esent method is applied to the analysis of the cutoff frequency of a hollow metallic waveguide. It is found that the more accurate solution even in th e higher-order elements can be obtained with an identical number of unknown s. (C) 2000 Scripta Technica.