Fast and accurate solutions of electromagnetics problems involving lossy dielectric objects with the multilevel fast multipole algorithm

Fast and accurate solutions of electromagnetic scattering problems involving lossy dielectric objects are considered. Problems are formulated with two recently developed formulations, namely, the combined-tangential formulation (CTF) and the electric and magnetic current combined-field integral equation (JMCFIE), and solved iteratively using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). Iterative solutions and accuracy of the results are investigated in detail for diverse geometries, frequencies, and conductivity values. It is demonstrated that CTF solutions are significantly accelerated as the conductivity increases to moderate values and CTF becomes comparable to JMCFIE in terms of efficiency. Considering also the superior accuracy of this formulation, CTF becomes suitable for fast and accurate analysis of scattering problems involving lossy dielectric objects.

► Iterative solutions of surface integral equations are accelerated as the conductivity increases. ► Simple preconditioners become more effective as the conductivity increases. ► The combined tangential formulation is suitable for fast and accurate analysis of dielectric objects. ► The combined tangential formulation is a good alternative to formulations based on IBCs.