Fourier methods for harmonic scalar waves in general waveguides

Abstract

A set of semi-analytic techniques based on Fourier analysis is used to solve wave-scattering problems in variously shaped waveguides with varying normal admittance boundary conditions. Key components are the newly developed conformal mapping methods, wave splitting, Fourier series expansions in eigenfunctions to non-normal operators, the building block method or the cascade technique, Dirichlet-to-Neumann operators, and reformulation in terms of stable differential equations for reflection and transmission matrices. For an example, the results show good correspondence with a finite element method solution to the same problem in the low-and medium-frequency domains. The Fourier method complements finite element analysis as a waveguide simulation tool. For inverse engineering involving tuning of straight waveguide parts joining complicated waveguide elements, the Fourier method is an attractive alternative including time aspects. The prime motivation for the Fourier method is its added physical understanding primarily at low frequencies.