Some formulations coupling finite element and integral equation methods for Helmholtz equation and electromagnetism (Q1347044)

The author considers the problem of acoustical scattering by a hard obstacle, divides the region outside the obstacle into two subregions, one enclosing the other and considers the matching of the field in these two subregions across their mutual interface. Variational formulations follow which is suitable for the use of finite elements. One gives rapid convergence and the other, in the absence of preconditioning gives slow convergence. These ideas are applied to the more complicated problem of electromagnetic scattering by a metallic body. It is pointed out that in this case there may be slow convergence in the absence of preconditioning.