Hardware Accelerated Code for Hybrid Computational Electromagnetics

ABSTRACT: A hybrid computational Electromagnetic solution will be developed that combines techniques in order to handle far-field propagation, near-field interactions, and detailed interactions with complex objects, such as human anatomical models, while taking advantage of the computational power of graphics processing units (GPU). The approach will leverage existing, mature physics models with demonstrated capabilities, existing GPU acceleration, and mature graphical user interfaces. Research will be performed into alternative approaches to determine the best method for interfacing the two computational techniques. Specific enhancements to GPU capabilities will be identified and assessed to provide additional acceleration for scenarios of interest. The final solution will be a full end-to-end modeling tool that provides high-fidelity and optimal run times, with seamless interfaces between the physics techniques, and a unified, user-friendly graphical interface that allows setup, execution, and visualization of outputs. BENEFIT: The outcome of this SBIR will be a modeling suite that seamlessly integrates high-fidelity electromagnetic simulation in the near-field of antennas and in the vicinity of human anatomical models, with high-fidelity propagation calculations over rough terrain or within urban settings. Antenna designers, engineers, and health physicists could use this tool to assess health and safety risks in a variety of environments by determining the potential for radiation exposure to personnel. Its hybrid capabilities would allow it to be used to perform detailed assessments of fields or specific absorption rate (SAR) for near-field analysis or far-field analysis, well beyond the range where high-fidelity calculations would normally be feasible. GPU and other acceleration techniques would ensure reasonably optimal run times for calculations that would otherwise take significant time to complete. The combined set of capabilities also has potential for use in other fields, providing the capability to perform high fidelity electromagnetic analysis near any type of complex object within relatively large-scale problem sizes.