Approximating Complex Geometry to Reduce Analysis

Hi all,

I've been using ADS with Momentum for years to simulate PCB boards. Often I import files from the mechanical engineers to create the basic outline. Now I've been toying with 3D EM simulators to generate antenna patterns on complex surfaces and have been having a lot of trouble. I've got an evaluation copy of FEKO and had the ME export a Parasolid file to import to FEKO. It goes along and creates the model in FEKO, but of course the ME has all these complicated curves, screws with Phillips heads detailed, logos, etc. FEKO chokes on those, but it's not even necessary because they are much smaller than the wavelength. I was wondering if there was a way to approximate it automatically in the mesh...brush over the areas with a wide brush and just lock on certain transitions (such as in the microstrip details) but swath a spherical surface over screws, or cubical openings in gaps. Am I asking too much? Do I just need to redraw the objects?

Yes you are asking too much. Redraw but don't bother with the screws and such. I'm not familiar with FEKO, but there may be a way to set the minimum mesh length which could overlook your details, but be sure it's not distorting areas you need detail.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Thanks for answering.