HFSS15: The Finite Element Method

In order to generate an electromagnetic field solution, HFSS employs the finite element method. In general, the finite element method divides the full problem space into thousands of smaller regions and represents the field in each sub-region (element) with a local function.

In HFSS, the geometric model is automatically divided into a large number of tetrahedra, where a single tetrahedron is a four-sided pyramid. This collection of tetrahedra is referred to as the finite element mesh.

Representation of a Field Quantity

Rectilinear Elements and Curvilinear Elements

Basis Functions

Size of Mesh Vs. Accuracy