Recent advances in electromagnetic algorithms such as the Multi-level Fast Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA) provide rigorous and efficient full-wave analysis of arbitrary PEC and dielectric structures with principle dimensions many wavelengths in length. This proposal is to take a suite of such algorithms developed under 6.1 ARO support at Duke University and wrap them in a common user interface that simplifies their use and provides a means for end users to script the user interface as well as underlying algorithms. The scripting interface is a key element that provides a capability sorely lacking in most Graphical User Interface (GUI) based scientific software built today the ability for end users to extend an applications functionality beyond the features that were embedded by the original developers. This scripting capability will be integrated into an intuitive user interface designed by a team including electromagnetic experts, human-computer interface (HCI) specialists, technical writers, and experienced computer scientists. Together they will integrate state-of-the-art 2d and 3d visualization techniques with the best practices in UI design to deliver an application that supports the aggressive schedule for technology insertion into the Future Combat Systems for the Objective Force.
Benefits: Electromagnetic scattering from large objects such as airframes and ground vehicles and propagation through complex environment such as forests is important in a wide range of applications in the defense and communications industries. Improving the accuracy, speed, and memory efficiency of simulators that can handle such problems has a direct impact on the quality of and speed at which products meet their target market. This proposal marries state-of-the-art algorithms with an easy-to-use and extensible graphical user interface (GUI) with the specific purpose of minimizing both the run-time and user setup/analysis effort for investigating electromagnetic phenomena. The suite of algorithms proposed include an MLFMA algorithm which is efficient for extremely large targets located in free space or halfspace, a standard MoM algorithm efficient for smaller targets, and a ray tracing algorithm for modeling propagation over large distances such as a forest or urban environment. The combination of these algorithms provides solution for scattering studies (buried UXO, vehicles over a ground plane, etc) of interest to DoD customers as well as wireless communication systems design customers optimizing antenna placement on a vehicle or in an urban environment.
Keywords: Multi-level Fast Multipole Method, Fast Multipole Method, ray tracing, method of moment, scripting, Python, GUI
