Finite difference method

Abstract: A technique based on the combination of Fourier pseudospectral method and the perfectly matched layer (PML) is developed to simulate transient acoustic wave propagation in multidimensional, inhomogeneous, absorptive media. Instead of the finite difference approximation in the conventional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, this technique uses trigonometric functions, through an FFT (fast Fourier transform) algorithm, to represent the spatial derivatives in partial differential equations. Traditionally the Fourier pseudospectral method is used only for spatially periodic problems because the use of FFT implies periodicity. In order to overcome this limitation, the perfectly matched layer is used to attenuate the waves from other periods, thus allowing the method to be applicable to unbounded media. This new algorithm, referred to as the pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) algorithm, is developed to solve large-scale problems for acoustic waves. It has an infinite order of accuracy in the spatial derivatives, and thus requires much fewer unknowns than the conventional FDTD method. Numerical results confirms the efficacy of the PSTD method.

Abstract: This paper reviews some of the more useful, current and newly developing methods for the solution of electromagnetic fields. It begins with an introduction to numerical methods in general, including specific references to the mathematical tools required for field analysis, e.g., solution of systems of simultaneous linear equations by direct and iterative means, the matrix eigenvalue problem, finite difference differentiation and integration, error estimates, and common types of boundary conditions. This is followed by a description of finite difference solution of boundary and initial value problems. The paper reviews the mathematical principles behind variational methods, from the Hilbert space point of view, for both eigenvalue and deterministic problems. The significance of natural boundary conditions is pointed out. The Rayleigh-Ritz approach for determining the minimizing sequence is explained, followed by a brief description of the finite element method. The paper concludes with an introduction to the techniques and importance of hybrid computation.

Abstract: Two high-accuracy finite-difference schemes for simulating long-range linear wave propagation are presented: a maximum-order scheme and an optimized scheme. The schemes combine a seven-point spatial operator and an explicit six-stage low-storage time-march method of Runge--Kutta type. The maximum-order scheme can accurately simulate the propagation of waves over distances greater than five hundred wavelengths with a grid resolution of less than twenty points per wavelength. The optimized scheme is found by minimizing the maximum phase and amplitude errors for waves which are resolved with at least ten points per wavelength, based on Fourier error analysis. It is intended for simulations in which waves travel under three hundred wavelengths. For such cases, good accuracy is obtained with roughly ten points per wavelength.