Waveguide discontinuity analysis with a coupled finite-boundary element method

A numerical method for the analysis of waveguide discontinuities is proposed. The approach is based on the coupling of the finite-element and boundary-element methods. The respective merits of these methods are extracted to yield a much faster solution and to enhance computation efficiency. A general procedure is described using quadratic elements approximation, and the validity and efficiency of the method is demonstrated in the cases of a three-port H-plane ferrite waveguide Y junction and of a right-angle corner bend with and without dielectric loading. Comparisons of the present results with those obtained using the finite-element approach are made and shown to be in good agreement. An experimental result is also presented. The validity of the technique can be easily verified.>