A finite element method for approximating the solution of a mathematical model for the response of a penetrable, bounded object (obstacle) to the excitation by an external electromagnetic field is presented and investigated. The model consists of a nonlinear Helmholtz equation that is reduced to a spherical domain.

The (exemplary) finite element method is formed by Courant-type elements with curved facets at the boundary of the spherical computational domain. This method is examined for its well-posedness, in particular the validity of a discrete inf-sup condition of the modified sesquilinear form uniformly with respect to both the truncation and the mesh parameters is shown. Under suitable assumptions to the nonlinearities, a quasi-optimal error estimate is obtained. Finally, the satisfiability of the approximation property of the finite element space required for the solvability of a class of adjoint linear problems is discussed.

scattering, radiation, nonlinear Helmholtz equation, nonlinearly polarizable medium, DtN operator, truncation, finite element method.

Received: July 22, 2023;  Accepted: September 14, 2023; Published: December 13, 2023

How to cite this article: Lutz Angermann, Finite element solution of a radiation/propagation problem for a Helmholtz equation with a compactly supported nonlinearity, Far East Journal of Applied Mathematics 116(4) (2023), 311-356. http://dx.doi.org/10.17654/0972096023016

This Open Access Article is Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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