Development of a Three-Dimensional, Finite Element Charged Particle Code with Adaptive Meshing

60459 The current generation of charged particle codes are unable to model practical three dimensional problems, such as those in high energy physics research, because of the large number of nodes required in the analysis. Without this design capability, it is not possible to develop many new, innovative devices that could dramatically advance the state-of-the-art in charged particle electronics for commercial, research, and defense applications. This project will develop an advanced charged particle code that will incorporate finite element, adaptive meshing. This will reduce the computational requirements so that real-world, three-dimensional (3D) problems can be analyzed on desktop computers. The computer program will include an intuitive graphical user interface and geometrical input using a state-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) engine. In Phase I, all major elements of the proposed program were developed to the point of demonstrating feasibility. Significant advances were achieved in adaptive meshing technology and application of Monte Carlo Techniques for modeling secondary emission. Interaction between a CAD-based graphical user interface and finite element mesh generator was demonstrated. In Phase II, the major elements of the code will be completed, and additional features will be implemented to provide the functionality required to meet foreseeable applications. All features will be extensively tested to insure proper operation and accurate results. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: An advanced charged particle code that incorporates finite element, adaptive meshing should reduce computational requirements so that real-world, 3D problems can be analyzed on desktop computers.