A 3D vector potential formulation using edge element for electrostatic field computation

This paper presents a D-oriented formulation for 3D electrostatic field computation. In this formulation, the electric flux density D is expressed by a source field and the curl of an unknown vector potential. The edge element is used for the discretization of the vector potential. The use of gauge condition for the uniqueness of the problem is discussed. Special techniques are introduced for solving the multi-valued problem and treating the voltage boundary condition. The complementary nature between the present D-oriented formulation and a usually used E-oriented formulation is mentioned. A numerical example is given.>