3d fem/bem-hybrid approach for planar layered media

A finite element method (FEM)/boundary element method (BEM)-hybrid approach is presented which allows electromagnetic field calculations in planar layered media including three-dimensional inhomogeneous regions. The fields within the inhomogeneities are modeled by the FEM in terms of the electric field strength Ē with edge elements on tetrahedral meshes. Based on Huygens’ principle the BEM is formulated with equivalent electric and magnetic surface currents on a surface completely enclosing the inhomogeneous regions. Additionally, ideal conducting objects can be included into the BEM-model. The electric field integral equation (EFIE) for the BEM is formulated as a mixed potential integral equation (MPIE). Applications of the method to field calculations in a microstrip resonator with finite metallization thickness and to the coupling of a cylindrical dielectric resonator to a microstrip line are presented.