Optimisation in electromagnetics with the space‐mapping technique

Source abstract

Purpose Optimisation in electromagnetics, based on finite element models, is often very time‐consuming. In this paper, we present the space‐mapping (SM) technique which aims at speeding up such procedures by exploiting auxiliary models that are less accurate but much cheaper to compute. Design/methodology/approach The key element in this technique is the SM function. Its purpose is to relate the two models. The SM function, combined with the low accuracy model, makes a surrogate model that can be optimised more efficiently. Findings By two examples we show that the SM technique is effective. Further we show how the choice of the low accuracy model can influence the acceleration process. On one hand, taking into account more essential features of the problem helps speeding up the whole procedure. On the other hand, extremely simple auxiliary models can already yield a significant acceleration. Research limitations/implications Obtaining the low accuracy model is not always straightforward. Some research could be done in this direction. The SM technique can also be applied iteratively, i.e. the auxiliary model is optimised aided by a coarser one. Thus, the generation of hierarchies of models seems to be a promising venue for the SM technique. Originality/value Optimisation in electromagnetics, based on finite element models, is often very time‐consuming. The results given show that the SM technique is effective for speeding up such procedures.