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Exposure to an RF Electromagnetic Pulse

Posted 2026/03/19 5:37 GMT-4 Electromagnetics, RF & Microwave Engineering, Modeling Tools & Definitions Version 6.4 0 Replies

Gianmarco Ronza

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Hello there!

I am a newcomer to COMSOL Multiphysics and I am currently attempting to set up a simulation involving the exposure of a object to a radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic pulse. The primary objective is to study the thermal and electromagnetic physical parameters (temperature, EF distribution). I am aware that the appropriate tool for this type of problem is the RF Module; however, I remain uncertain as to which of its physics interfaces best suits my case. Having briefly reviewed the available options, I have identified interfaces such as Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw) and Electromagnetic Waves, Time Explicit, among others, but I lack the background to determine which most accurately captures the physics of RF pulse propagation. I am also encountering difficulties in correctly defining the boundary conditions. Specifically, I am unsure how to set up the RF pulse excitation source and how to handle the outer boundaries of the computational domain. I have come across conditions such as Scattering Boundary Conditions and Perfectly Matched Layers (PML), which appear to be relevant for suppressing spurious reflections at the domain boundaries, but I have not yet been able to understand how to apply them correctly within the context of my model.

In light of the above, I would be most grateful if members of this community could direct me towards:

Official COMSOL tutorials or Application Library models addressing RF exposure. Should any member of the community have already addressed a similar problem and be willing to share a worked example or provide direct guidance, I would be most grateful for their contribution;
Guidance on which physics interface within the RF Module is most suitable for this class of problems;
Introductory documentation or methodological references appropriate for users approaching coupled electromagnetic–thermal modelling for the first time.

Any guidance, even of a general or preliminary nature, would be of considerable value at this stage. Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.

Kind regards

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