Finite Element

Tutorial in
Electromagnetics #2
DRAFT
Sponsored by NSF Grant #05-559: Finite Element Method
Exercises for use in Undergraduate Engineering Programs

Specific Absorption Rate

Prepared By: Dr. Vladimir A Labay, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington

Estimated time to complete

This tutorial: 60 minutes

Outline of Tutorial
1.
2.

Introduction
Overview of computational electromagnetics (CEM)

3.

Maxwells Equations and their numerical approximation

Full-wave CEM techniques

The method of moments (MoM)

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) Method

The finite element method (FEM)

The CEM modeling process

4.

Overview
Methods of CEM
Problems and Limitations

Finite Element Method (FEM)

Introduction and Overview

Strengths and Weaknesses
Weaknesses

Outline of Tutorial (cont)

5.

Ansofts High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS)

6.

Problem Definition: Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

7.

What is SAR?
Health Effects and SAR Limits
Test Methods

Step-by-Step Solution

8.

Introduction
Using HFSS to create and improve designs

Launching Ansoft HFSS

Set up the Design
Creating a Model
Set up and Generate Solutions
Analyze and display results

Further Reading and References

Tutorial Objectives

Understand the basis of FE theory for three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis.

(PEO #1)
Understand the fundamental basis of the SAR measurements and radiation field
patterns through the use of Ansofts High Frequency Structure Simulator
(HFSS) three-dimensional finite element software. (PEO #2)
Be able to construct a correct solid model using the build in 3-D solid modeler and
perform a correct three-dimensional finite element analysis using HFSS solution
engine. (PEO #3)
Be able to interpret and evaluate finite element solution quality including verifying
convergence criterion and field plots. (PEO #4)

Overview of Computational
Electromagnetics (CEM)

Electromagnetics
The study of electrical and magnetic fields and their interaction
Governed by Maxwells Equations (Faradays Law, Ampres Circuital Law, and Gauss Laws)

Maxwells Equations relate the following Vector and Scalar Fields

E: the Electric Field Intensity Vector (V/M)
H: the Magnetic Field Intensity Vector (A/m)
D: the Displacement Flux Density Vector (C/m2)
B: the Magnetic Flux Density Vector (T)
J: the Current Density Vector (A/m2)
: the Volume Charge Density (C/m3)
: is the Permeability of the medium (H/m)
: the Permittivity of the medium (F/m)

Maxwells Equations
Faradays Law:

E =

B
t

Gauss Laws:

B = 0

D =

Ampres Circuital Law:

H = J+ D
t
Constitutive Equations:

B = H

D=E

Actual solution complex and for realistic problems require approximations

Numerical approximations of Maxwells equations is known as computational

electromagnetics (CEM)

Applications of CEM

Over the past five decades CEM has been successfully applied to several engineering
areas, including:

Antennas
Biological electromagnetic (EM) effects
Medical diagnosis and treatment
Electronic packaging and high speed circuits
Superconductivity
Microwave devices and circuits
Law enforcement
Environmental issues
Avionics
Communications
Energy generation and conservation
Surveillance and intelligence gathering
Homeland Security
Signal Integrity

Full-wave CEM techniques

Approximations of Maxwells equations may be classified into several categories, e.g.,

low-frequency, quasi-static, full-wave, lumped element equivalent, etc.

This tutorial deals with the finite element method a full-wave technique. Full-wave
techniques have the potential to be the most accurate of all numerical
approximations because they incorporate all higher order interactions and do not
make any initial physical approximations

Examples include:

Finite difference time domain (FDTD) Method

Method of Moments (MoM) Method
Finite Element (FEM) Method
Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) Method
The Method of Lines (MoL)
The Generalized Multipole Technique (GMT)

The FDTD, MoM and FEM are the most popular today!

Full-wave CEM techniques (cont)

Central to all methods is the idea of discretizing some unknown electromagnetic

property, for example:
MoM: the Surface Current
FE: the Electric Field
FDTD: the Electric and Magnetic Field

Discretization is also known as meshing that subdivides the geometry in a large

number of elements
Two dimensional elements: triangles
Three dimensional elements: tetrahedral

Within each element, a simple functional dependence (basis functions) is assumed

for the spatial variation of the unknown

The amplitude and phase of the unknown quantity is determined by the application
of the particular CEM
9

Limitations of Full-wave CEM

techniques

CEM is a modeling process and therefore a study in acceptable approximation

In other words, CEM replaces a real field problem with an approximate one which
causes limitations and problems that one must keep in mind
Limitations of the mathematical model and Simplifications in the formulation
Assumptions are generally made, e.g., assuming an infinite ground plane in an antenna
structure. Are the assumption valid?
Have you made simplifications on the design that are not valid? For example, simplifying a
thin wire by a current filament.

Tolerances and Manufacturing deviations

Tolerances are a part of all manufactured devices. How do small changes in dimensions or
material properties affect the performance?
Do other manufacturing considerations, other that tolerances, affect the performance?

Finite Discretization
Is the mesh fine enough to properly so that the basis functions can adequately represent the
fields?

Numerical approximations and Finite machine precision

Does double precision provide enough accuracy for your problem, especially if it is ill
conditioned?
10

Finite Element Method

Overview
Initially used in structural mechanics and thermodynamics dating back to the 1950s

First application in electromagnetics appeared in literature in the late 1960s but did
not see widespread adoption until the 1980s
A problem of spurious modes was not solved until the 1980s through a theoretical
breakthrough with edge elements
Widespread availability of powerful main-frame and personal computers also aided the
expansion

Starts with the partial differential equation (PDE) form of Maxwells Equations

Solution can be viewed from two main perspectives

Variational analysis
Finds a variational functional whose minimum corresponds to the solution of the PDE
Weighted residuals
Introduces a weighted residual or error and using Greens function, shift one of the
differentials in the PDE to the weighting functions
In most applications these two viewpoints result in identical equations

11

Finite Element Method (cont)

FEM can handle essentially two different types of EM problems

Eigenanalysis (source-free)
Deterministic (driven)

FEM does not include a radiation condition

Open regions, such as antennas (see below), requires special treatment
Introduction of a artificial absorbing region within the mesh

Example Microstrip Patch Antenna

Antenna Patch

Artificial absorbing
region
(box surrounding the
antenna)

Infinite Ground Plane

Substrate Material

12

Finite Element Method (cont)

Strengths

Handles complex geometries and material inhomogeneities easily

Handles dispersive or frequency-dependent materials easily
Handles eigenproblems easily
Has better frequency scaling characteristics that MoM (but usually requires a larger set of
unknowns)
Easily applicable to multi-physics problems by coupling solutions in thermal or mechanical to
the EM solution

Weaknesses

Inefficient treatment of highly conducting radiators when compared to the MoM

FEM meshes become very complex for large 3-D structures
More difficult to implement than the FDTD thus limiting their use in commercial software. Little
code development is done by engineers
Efficient preconditioned iterative solvers are required when higher-order elements are used.
Again, restricting the code development by individual engineers

13

Commercial FEM EM Software

Some Companies that market commercial FEM EM software:
Ansoft Corporation, Inc.
High frequency structure simulator (HFSS)

Ansys, Inc.
Emag

Comsol, Inc.
COMSOL Multiphysics with Electromagnetics Module

SolidWorks Corporation
COSMOSEMS

HFSS by Ansoft will be used solely in this tutorial

14

Ansoft HFSS
Overview
HFSS is a high-performance full-wave electromagnetic field simulator for arbitrary
3D volumetric passive device modeling that takes advantage of the familiar Microsoft
Windows graphical user interface. It integrates simulation, visualization, solid
modeling, and automation in an easy-to-learn environment.
HFSS includes:

A graphical interface to simplify design entry

A field solving engine with accuracy-driven adaptive solutions
Powerful post processor for displaying currents, fields and RF parameters
Automatic and adaptive mesh generation and refinement and tangential vector finite
elements
Macro feature allows for users to log sessions of design or simulation to an easy to read file
(useful in creating a library of structure based on a nominal structure)
A comprehensive materials database that contains permittivity-, permeability, electric-,
magnetic-loss tangents for common materials.

Typical HFSS Uses

PCB Board Modeling: Power and Ground Planes, Backplanes

EMC/EMI: Shield Enclosures, Coupling, Near- and Far- Radiation
Antennas/Mobile Communications: Patches, Horns, Radar Cross Section
Connectors: Coaxial (Coax), Transitions
Waveguide: Filters, Resonators, Transitions, Couplers
15

Problem Definition
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The following tutorial is intended to show how to create, simulate, and analyze
simple phantom as described in the IEEE P1528 specification, which is commonly
used to calibrate Specific Absorption Rate test equipment, using the Ansoft HFSS
Design Environment

This tutorial leads you step-by-step through the design and analysis of a simple
phantom. By following the steps in this tutorial you will be able to:

Draw a 3-D geometric model

Modify a models design parameters
Specify solution settings for a design
Validate a designs setup
Run a HFSS simulation
Create a 2-D plot of the antenna radiation pattern
Create a field overlay plot of the results
Animate field plots
Study the mesh created by HFSS for the solution

16

Problem Background

Introduction
It may seem that everything is going wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth , ZigBee and wireless USB are
all popular today. Along with this rise in the popularity of wireless communications has
come an increased concern for controlling the safety hazards of RF energyespecially for
handheld and wearable transmitters.
To catch up to this new technology, new safety standards and test methods have been
recently been approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE),
namely, the IEEE C95.7 Recommended Practice for Radio Frequency Safety Programs,
3kHz to 300 GHz, and the IEEE 1528 Recommended Practice for Determining the Peak
Spatial-Average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Head from Wireless
Communications Devices

Health Effects
EM waves entering the human body cause the biological tissue or organ to heat. This is
generally counteracted by thermoregulation (blood flow through the heated tissue or organ)
to dissipate the heat produced by the EM wave. However, the eyes and male testes are
particularly susceptible to RF heating because these organs have no direct blood supply and,
hence, no way of dissipating heat. The heating effects in human tissue are a function of
frequency. In general, higher the frequency, the greater the heating effect. However, also in
general the EM penetration in the human body is less. With the recent explosion of wireless
devices, particularly, cellular phones, most safety concerns have focused on EM absorption
by the head.

17

Problem Background (cont)

FCC Guidelines for exposure to EM energy at the RF frequencies

Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

Sets limits on the radiated far fields to which people may be exposed
Limits vary with frequency and for controlled or uncontrolled exposure situations

Maximum permissible exposure (MPE)

as a function of frequency

18

Problem Background (cont)

The SAR Index

Sets limits of exposure under near-field conditions
SAR is an index that quantifies the rate of energy absorption in biological tissue and is
expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) of biological tissue. SAR is generally averaged over a
volume corresponding to either 1 g or 10 g of body tissue. The SAR of a wireless product can
be measured in two ways:

measured directly using body phantoms, robot arms, and associated test equipment.
mathematically modeled (this tutorial)

The limits for SAR are defined for the exposure of the whole body or a partial body (e.g., head
and trunk), or hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. SAR limits are based on whole-body are 0.08
W/kg with limits are less stringent for exposure to hands, wrists, feet, and ankles.
For the head, the United States has set the limit to be 1.6 W/kg for 1-g volume-averaged
SAR.

19

Problem Background (cont)

SAR Data
In the United States, the Cellular Telecommunication Industry Association (CTIA) requires
that any mobile phone it certifies be sold with explanatory information. This information
must confirm that the phone has passed FCC safety standards. Manufacturers must also
include applicable SAR data for that phone and an explanation of how the SAR testing was
done.
The Mobile Manufacturers Forum (including Alcatel, Ericsson, Mitsubishi Electric,
Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Philips, Siemens, and Sony) reports SAR values on its Web site
(www.mmfai.org).
Test facilities use a specific
anthropomorphic mannequin
(SAM) phantom for SAR
measurements

20

Problem Background (cont)

SAR data (cont)

Table 1: SAR data from the IEEE P1528 standard
Local SAR at
surface
(y=2 cm offset
from feedpoint)

Frequency
(MHz)

1g SAR

10G SAR

Local SAR at
surface (above
feedpoint)

300

3.0

2.0

4.4

2.1

450

4.9

3.3

7.2

3.28

835

9.5

6.2

14.1

4.9

900

10.8

6.9

16.4

5.4

1450

29.0

16.0

50.2

6.5

1800

38.1

19.8

69.5

6.8

1900

39.7

20.5

72.1

6.6

2450

52.4

24.0

104.2

7.7

3000

63.8

25.7

140.2

9.5

21

Conventions used in this Tutorial

Main Procedures are presented in Bold. Detailed procedures and indicated by a

numbered list after the main procedure. Notes are in italics.

Bold type is used for the following:

Keyboard entries that should be typed in their entirety exactly as shown. For example,
Inf_GND means to type the Inf followed by a underscore then type GND
Om screen prompts and messages, names of options and text boxes, and menu commands.
For example, click Edit>Select>By name
Labeled keys on the computer keyboard. For example, Press Enter

Italic type is used for the following:

Emphasis
Keyboard entries when a name or variable muse be typed in place of words in italics. For
example, copy file name means to type the word copy, to type a space, and then to type a
file name.

The plus (+) sign is used between keyboard keys to indicate that you should press the
keys at the same time. For example, Press ctrl+u means to press the ctrl key and
the u key at the same time.

22

Overview of Ansoft HFSS

There are numerous ways to perform most tasks. This tutorial will show you one way.
Keep in mind that with experience you will learn the other ways.

There is no required sequence of events when creating a design. Design steps can be
performed in any logical order.

You can quickly modify design properties at any time. For example, you can change
dimensions through the Properties window.

You can easily track modifications to your design in the history tree and the project
tree.

You can modify the model view at any time.

You can save time by parameterizing design properties.

You can use HFSSs extensive post-processing features to evaluate solution results.

23

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

The Ansoft HFSS window

A Project Manager contains the design tree which outlines the structure of the project
A Message Manager the allows you to view errors or warning
A Property Window that displays and allows you to change model parameters
A Progress Window that displays solution progress
A 3-D Modeler Window which contains the model and model tree for the active design

}
}

Project

The Project Window

Design

A project is a collection of one or more

designs saved in a single *.hfss file. A
new project is automatically created
when HFSS is launched.
A new project is listed in the project
tree in the Project Manager window
and is named Projectn by default.
Project definitions, such as material
assignments, are stored under the
project name.

Design Setup
Design
Automation
Design Results
Other Designs

24

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Toolbars

Menu Bar
Project
Manager
with Project
Tree

3-D Modeler
Window

Properties
Window

Message
Manager
Status Bar

Progress
Window
Coordinate Entry Fields (not highlighted)
25

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Solution Types in HFSS

Driven Modal

This solution calculates the modal-based S-Parameters. The Scattering Matrix or S-matrix solutions
will be expressed in terms of the incident and reflected powers of waveguide modes

Driven Terminal

This solution calculates the terminal-based S-parameters of multi-conductor transmission line ports.
The Scattering or S-matrix solutions will be expressed in terms of terminal voltages and currents

Eigenmode

This solution calculates the eigenmodes, or resonances, of a structure. The eigenmode solver finds the
resonant frequencies of the structure and the fields at those resonant frequencies

Convergence criterion for various solution types

Driven Modal

Delta S for the modal S-parameters

Driven Terminal

Delta S for the single-ended or differential nodal S-parameters

Eigenmode

Delta F where F is the frequency

26

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Changing the View in the 3-D Modeler Window

At any time during the creation of the 3-D Model you can change the view by using:
Under the menu item View
Rotate The structure will be rotated around the coordinate system
Pan The structure will be translated in the graphical area
Dynamic Zoom Moving the mouse upwards will increase the zoom facto while
moving the mouse
Zoom In/Out In this mode a rubber band rectangle will be defined by dragging the
mouse. After releasing the mouse the zoom factor will be applied
Fit All This will zoom the defined structure to a point where it fits in the drawing
area
Fit Selection This fits only the selected objects into the drawing area
Spin Drag the mouse and release the mouse button to start the object spinning. The
speed of the dragging prior to releasing the mouse controls the speed of the spin.
Animate Create or display the animation of parametric geometry
Feel free to discover any one of these commands during the tutorial. Remember, Ctrl-D gets
you back to the original size and holding down the Alt key and clicking the upper right hand
corner of the 3-D Modeler window get you back to the normal perspective.

27

Simulation: Step-by-Step
Procedure
Outline of Simulation
1.
Set up the Design

2.

Launch Ansoft HFSS, Set the Tool Option, Rename the open a New Project, Set Solution
Type, Set the Units

Create the 3-D model

3.

Create the Dipole Antenna

Create a bowl to represent the phantom head
Assign boundary conditions
Fill the bowl with brain fluild
Create Lumped ports and Excitations
Set up the Radiation Boundary

Set up and Generate Solutions

4.

Add a solution setup to the Design

Validate the Design
Analyze the Design

Compare Solutions

Create a Rectangular Plot of the Reflection Coefficient

Create a Radiation Pattern and Field Plot of the structure

28

Set up the Design

Launch Ansoft HFSS
1.

To access Ansoft HFSS, click the Microsoft Start button, select Programs, and select the
Ansoft>HFSS 10 program group. Click HFSS 10.

Setting Tool Options

1.
2.

Select the menu item Tools>Options>HFSS Options

HFSS Options Window:

a.
b.

3.
4.

Click the General Tab

Use wizards for data entry when creating new boundaries: Checked

Duplicate boundaries with geometry: Checked

Click the OK button

Select the menu item Tools>Options>3D Modeler Options

3D Modeler Options Window

a.
b.
c.

Click the Operation tab

Automatically cover closed polylines: Checked

Click the Drawing tab

Edit property of new primitives: Checked

Click the OK button

29

Set up the Design (cont)

Save a New Project
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click File>Save As
Use the file browser to locate the folder in which you want to save the project and then
double click the folders name
Type SAR and File Name text box and then click Save.
Do not forget to save your design periodically throughout the tutorial.

Rename the Design

1.

2.

The design is already listed in the project tree when HFSS opens. It is named HFSS
Designn by default. The 3-D Modeler window appears to the right of the Project
Manager. To rename the design: Right-click HFSSDesignn in the project tree, and then
click Rename on the shortcut menu.
Type PhantomHead and then press Enter.

Select the Solution Type

1.
2.

As you set up the design for analysis, available settings depend on the solution type. For
this design, you will choose Driven Model as the solution type. To specify the design
solution type, click HFSS>Solution Type
In the Solution Type dialog box, select Driven Modal and then click OK.

30

Create the Model

Set the Drawing Units
1.
2.

To set the units of measurement for drawing the geometric model. Click 3D
Model>Units
Select mm for the Select units pull-down list and then click OK

Create the 3-D Model of the Phantom Head

The Phantom Head is made of two main structures
1.
The Antenna providing the EM radiation
2.
The Phantom Head adsorbing the EM radition
You will create each geometry separately and assign material properties to each.

Create an Offset Coordinate System

1.
2.

To create an offset coordinate system, select the menu item 3-D Modeler>Coordinate
System>Create>Relative CS>Offset
Using the coordinate entry fields (at the bottom of the screen), enter the box position:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: -6.8, Press the Enter Key

31

Create the Model (cont)

Create Dipole Antenna Arm 1
1.
2.
3.

To set the grid plane, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Grid Plane>XZ
To create the dipole antenna, select the menu item Draw>Cylinder
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder position:
X: 0.0, Y: -84.0, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the radius:

dX: 1.8, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

5.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the height:

dX: 0.0, dY: 83.5, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window (see next slide)
For the Value of Name type: Dipole
To set the material, click the vacuum button that is in the value of the Material row.
Type pec in the Search by name field and select pec from the list and then click OK
(Note: By default, the material to the box is vacuum)
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to your preferred transparency level (about 0.6) and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog.

32

Create the Model (cont)

To fit the view of the model
1.

Select the menu item View>Fit All>Active View or press Ctrl+D.

The Properties window appears, with the Command tab selected, enabling you to Modify the dimensions and position
of the box. While the Properties window is open, you will use it to assign a name to the box, confirm its material
assignment, an make it more or less transparent, depending on your preferences. You will notice the Properties box
remains on the left hand of the screen.

Name
Material

33

Create the Model (cont)

Create Dipole Antenna Arm 2
1.
2.
3.

To create arm 2, select the menu item Edit>Select All Visible (or Ctrl+A)
Select the menu item, Edit>Duplicate>Mirror
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the anchor point of the mirror plane :
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter key

4.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the target point of the vector normal to mirror
plane:
dX: 0.0, dY: 1.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter key

5.
6.
7.

Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.

For the Value of Name type: Dipole2
Click the OK button to close the Properties window.

Group the Dipole Antenna Arms

1.
2.

To group the dipole arms, select the menu item Edit>Select All Visible (or Ctrl+A)
Select the menu item 3D Modeler>Boolean>Unite

Set Grid Plane

1.

To set the grid plane, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Grid Plane>XY

34

Create the Model (cont)

Create Source
1.
2.

To create the source, select the menu item Draw>Rectangle

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the center position:
X: -1.8, Y: -0.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the radius:

dX: 3.6, dY: 1.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.
7.

Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.

For the Value of Name type: Source
Click the OK button to close the Properties window.
Click Crtl-D to see the entire object

35

Create the Model (cont)

Assign Excitation to the Source
1.
2.
3.
4.

To select the trace, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name

With the Select Object dialog open, select the object named Source and click the OK
button (Note: You can also select the object from the model tree)
To assign a lumped port excitation, select the menu item
HFSS>Excitations>Assign>Lumped Port
In Lumped Port: General,
a.
b.
c.
d.

5.

For Name: p1
For Resistance: 50
For Reactance: 0
Click the Next button

In Lumped Port: Modes,

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Number of Modes: 1
For Mode 1, click the None column and select New Line
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vector position
X: 0.0, Y: -0.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vertex
dX: 0.0, dY: 1.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter key
Click the Next button

36

Create the Model (cont)

Assign Excitation to the Source (cont)
1.

In Lumped Port: Post Processing

a.
b.

2.
3.
4.

For Port Renormalization: Renormalize All Mode

For Full Port Impedance: 50 ohms

Click the Finish button

To zoom in on the source, hold down on the Alt+Shift and left click of the 3-D modeler
window. Move you mouse in the upward direction.
In the Project Window, expand the Excitations and select p1. You should now see a
close-up of the source.
Lumped Port
(similar to wave
ports but internal
to the structure)

Integration Line
(defined by the vector)

37

Create the Model (cont)

More on Excitations
In the previous step, you defined a lumped port. Ports and a unique type of boundary
condition that allow energy to flow into and out of a structure. In HFSS, you can assign a
port to an 2-D or 3-D object face. Before the full 3-D EM field inside a structure can be
calculated, it is necessary to determine the excitation field at each port. HFSS uses an
arbitrary port solver to calculate the natural field patterns or modes that can exist inside a
transmission structure with the same cross section as the port. The resulting 2-D field
patterns serve as boundary conditions for the full 3-D problem.
The port solver assumes that the Lumped Port you have defined is connected to a semiinfinitely long transmission line (coaxial in this case) with the same cross-section and
material properties.
The field pattern of the traveling wave inside the Lumped Port is calculated using Maxwell's
equations.
It is necessary to calibrate the port, with a calibration line, a line explicitly defines the up or
positive direction. At any Lumped Port, the direction of the field at t=0 can be in at least
one of two directions. At some ports, such as circular ports, there can be more than two
directions. If you do not define an integration line, there solution may be out-of-phase to
what you were expecting.
The polarity reference for the line is established by the arrow head (+) to the base (-) of the
terminal line.

38

Create the Model (cont)

Add a New Material
1.
2.
3.

To add a new material, using the 3D Modeler Materials pull down menu (shown
below), choose Select
From the Select Definition Window, click the Add Material button
On the View/Edit Material Window

a.
b.
c.

4.

For the Material Name type: Head

For the Value of Relative Permittivity type: 4.6
Click the OK button

Click the OK button

3D Modeler Materials pull down menu

39

Create the Model (cont)

Set the Working Coordinate System
1.
2.

To set the working coordinate system, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Coordinate
System>Set Working CS
In the Select Coordinate System window, select Global and click the Select button

Create the bowl

1.
2.

To create the bowl, select the menu item, Draw>Sphere

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the center position:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 111.5, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the radius:

dX: 111.5, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: Bowl
To set the material, click the vacuum button that is in the value of the Material row.
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to your preferred transparency level (about 0.6) and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog.

40

Create the Model (cont)

Create an Offset Coordinate System
1.
2.

To create an offset coordinate system, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Coordinate

System>Create>Relative CS>Offset
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the origin:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 164.0, Press the Enter Key

Create an opening in the Bowl

1.
2.
3.
4.

To select the object Bowl, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name
In the Select Object dialog, select the object named Bowl and click the OK button
To split the bowl object, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Boolean>Split
In the Split window:
1.
2.
3.
4.

For the Split Plane: XY

For Keep Fragments: Negative Side
For Split Objects: Split entire selection
Click the OK button

41

Create the Model (cont)

Add a New Material
1.
2.
3.

4.

To add a new material, using the 3D Modeler Materials pull down menu, choose Select
From the Select Definition Window, click the Add Material button
On the View/Edit Material Window
a.
For the Material Name type: Brain_Fluid
b.
For the Value of Relative Permittivity type: 42.9
c.
For the Value of the Bulk Conductivity type: 0.9
d.
Click the OK button
Click the OK button

Set Working Coordinate System

1.
2.

To set the working coordinate system, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Coordinate
System>Set Working CS
In the Select Coordinate System window, select Global and click the Select button

42

Create the Model (cont)

Create Brain Fluid
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

To create the brain fluid, select the menu item Draw>Sphere

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the center position:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 111.5, Press the Enter Key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the radius:
dX: 106.5, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key
To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: BrainFluid
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to your preferred transparency level (about 0.6) and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog

Side View

43

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Shell of the Bowl
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

To select the objects Bowl and BrainFluid, select the menu item Edit>Select>By
Name
In the Select Object dialog, select the objects named Bowl and BrainFluid
Click the OK button
To complete the bowl, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Boolean>Subtract
In the Subtract window
a.
b.
c.
d.

For Blank Parts: Bowl

For Tool Parts: BrainFluid
For Clone tool objects before subtracting: Checked
Click the OK button

Create an Offset Coordinate System

1.
2.

To create an offset coordinate system, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Coordinate

System>Create>Relative CS>Offset
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the origin:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 134.0, Press the Enter Key

44

Create the Model (cont)

Set the Fluid Level
1.
2.
3.
4.

To select the object BrainFluid, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name
In the Select Object dialog, select the object named BrainFluid and click the OK button
To split the bowl object, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Boolean>Split
In the Split window:
a.
b.
c.
d.

For the Split Plane: XY

For Keep Fragments: Negative Side
For Split Objects: Split entire selection
Click the OK button

Side view

45

Create the Model (cont)

Create a SAR Calculation Line
1.
2.

To create a line, select the menu item Draw>Line

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vertex point:
X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: -129.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vertex point :

dX: 0.0, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: SAR_line
Click the OK button

Set Working Coordinate System

1.
2.

To set the working coordinate system, select the menu item 3D Modeler>Coordinate
System>Set Working CS
In the Select Coordinate System window, select RelativeCS1 and click the Select
button

46

Create the Model (cont)

Set the Default Material
1.

To set the default material, using the 3D Modeler Materials pull down menu choose
vacuum

Create Air Box

1.
2.

Select the menu item Draw>Box

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the box position:
X: -155.0, Y: -155.0, Z: -44.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the opposite corner of the box:
dX: 310.0, dY: 310.0, dZ: 257.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: Air
Make sure the material is set at vacuum in the value of the Material row.
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to transparency level to 1 and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog
Select the menu item View>Fit All>Active View to fit the view
47

Create the Model (cont)

Create Radiation Boundary
1.
2.
3.
4.

To select the object Air, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name
In the Select Object dialog, select the objects named Air and click the OK button
To create a radiation boundary, select the item HFSS>Boundaries>Assign>Radiation
In the Radiation Boundary window, enter the name Rad1 and click the OK button

Create a Radiation Setup

1.
2.

3.

To define a radiation setup, select the menu item HFSS>Radiation>Insert Far Field
Setup>Infinite Sphere
In the Far Field Radiation Sphere Setup dialog, make the following settings:
Name: ff_2d
Phi: Start: 0, Stop: 90, Step Size: 90
Theta: Start: -180, Stop: 180, Step Size: 2
Click the OK button to close the dialog

48

Analyze the Model

Analysis Setup

To create an analysis setup, select the menu item HFSS>Analysis Setup> Add Solution
Setup
2. In the Solution Setup window, click the General tab and enter

1.

Solution Frequency: 835 MHz

Maximum Number of Passes: 20
Maximum Delta S per Pass: 0.02

3. Click the OK button

4. If you havent done so in a while, save the project

Model Validation

1. To validate the model, select the menu item HFSS>Validation Check

2. Click the Close button (To view any errors or warning messages, use the message manager
at the bottom of the screen)

Analyze
1.

Congratulations you are ready to analyze. To start the solution process, select the menu item
HFSS>Analyze

49

View the Solution Data

Solution Data
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

To view the Solution Data, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Solution Data
Click the Profile tab to view the solution profile
(elapsed time, mesh generation statistics, etc.)
Click the Convergence tab
to view solution convergence as
a function of pass number and the
number of tetrahedra used.
Note the total number of passes.
Click Plot.
Click the Matrix Data
tab to view the data.
Click the Close button

50

Create Reports
Create a report that plots the input return loss vs. Adaptive Pass
1.
2.

To create this report, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create Report

In the Create Report Window, select:
Report Type: Modal Solution Data
Display Type: Rectangular Plot

3.
4.

Click the OK button

In the Traces window, select the following:

5.

Click the Y tab and select:

Solution: Setup1: Adaptive_1

Category: S Parameter
Quantity: S(p1,p1)
Function: dB

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Click the Add trace button

Click the Done button
Double Click on the x-axis, the
X-Axis Properties dialog appears
Select the Scaling Tab
Uncheck the Autoscale box
Set Max to your maximum number of passes
Click the OK button

51

Create Reports (cont)

Create a SAR Report

1. To create a SAR report, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create Report

2. In the Create Report window, select:
Report Type: Fields
Display Type: Rectangular

3. Click the OK button

4. In the Traces window, set the following:
Solution: Setup1:LastAdaptive
Geometry: SAR_Line

5. In the Y tab, select

Category: Calculator Expressions

Quantity: Local_SAR, Average_SAR
(use the Shift key to make multiple selections)
Function: <none>

1. Click the Add Trace button

2. Click the Done button

52

Create a Mesh Plot

Create a Mesh Plot on the in the Brain Fluid
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

To create a Magnetic Field Plot, return to the 3-D Modeler Window by selecting
HFSS>3D Model Editor. Note: This step is only necessary if you have a Plot window
open.
To select the object BrainFluid, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name
In the Select Object dialog, select the objects named BrainFluid and click the OK
button.
To open the Create Field Plot window, click HFSS>Fields>Plot Mesh
Select Setup1:LastAdaptive as the solution to plot in Solution pull-down list
Accept the default settings by clicking Done.
Rotate the object to see other perspectives of the plot
After viewing the mesh, delete the plot by left clicking
MeshPlots on the Project Tree and select Delete
Hold down the Alt key and click the upper right
hand corner of the 3D Modeler window to
return to the normal view.

53

Create Field Plot

Create a 2-D plot of the field distribution in the head
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Return to the 3D Modeler window by selecting HFSS>3D Model Editor

To select the Global YZ plane for your plot, using the Model Tree, expand Planes
Select Global: YZ
Select the menu item HFSS>Fields>Fields>E>Mag_E
In the Create Field Plot window, select:

6.
7.

9.

Click the Done button

To modify the attributes of a field plot, select the menu item HFSS>Fields>Modify Plot
Attributes
In the Select Plot Folder dialog,
select E Field and click the OK button
Click the Scale tab

10.

Click the Close button

8.

Solution: Setup1: LastAdaptive

Quantity: Mag_E
In Volume: BrainFluid

Select: Use limits

Min: 2
Max: 200
Scale: Log

54

Create Field Plot (cont)

Animate the Field Overlay Plot
An animated plot is a series of frames that displays a field, mesh, or geometry at varying
values. You specify the values of the plot that you want to include, called a frame.
1.
Right-click Mag_E1 in the Project Tree, and then click Animate
2.
In the Setup Animation window, click the Swept Variable tab:
Name: AnimationE
Swept Variable: Phase
Start: 0deg
Stop: 180deg
Steps: 6

3.
4.

Click the OK button

After viewing the animation, click the stop button in the Animation dialog that has
appeared in the upper left hand corner

55

Create Field Plot (cont)

Create a 2-D plot of the far field pattern
1.
2.

To create a 2-D polar far field plot, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create
Report
In the Create Report Window, select:
Report Type: Far Fields
Display Type: Radiation Pattern

3.
4.

Click the OK button

In the Traces window, set the following:
Solution: Setup1:Sweep1
Geometry: ff_2d

5.
6.

In the Sweeps tab, make sure Theta is the primary sweep. Select Phi under the Name
column, and on the drop list, select Theta if it is not.
In the Mag tab,select:
Category: Gain
Quantity: GainL3Y
Function: dB

7.
8.

Click the Add Trace button

Click the Done button

56

Exercises
1.

2.

Create another solution setup and analyze the phantom head at different
frequency. Choose a frequency listed in Table 1: SAR data from the IEEE P1528
standard. You will recall that the previous tutorial analyzed the structure at 835
MHz. Does you finite element analysis agree with measurements?
Create a 3-D radiation plot of the Electric Field in the Brain Fluid. You may need
to modify your solution setup to include complete sweeps in both the Theta and
Phi directions.

57

Further Reading and References

SAR
Standard IEEE P1528, Recommended Practice for Determining the Peak Spatial-Average
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Body Due to Wireless Communication
Devices: Experimental Techniques, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New
York, NY, 2005
EN 50361, Basic Standard for Measurement of Specific Absorption Rate Related to
Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields for Mobile Phones (300 MHz-3GHz), European
Committee for Electrical Standardization (CENELEC), Brussels, 2001

Electromagnetics
N.N. Rao, Elements of Engineering Electromagnetics, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle
River, NJ, 2004
W.H. Hayt and J.A. Buck, Engineering Electromagnetics, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY,
2006

Computational Electromagnetics
J.Jin, The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics, 2nd edition, Wiley, New York, NY,
2002
P.P Silvester and R.L. Ferrari, Finite Elements for Electrical Engineers, 3rd edition,
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1996

58