A Dash Of Maxwell's -- Chapter I -- An Introduction

As part of our ongoing Technology 101 coverage, RF Globalnet is pleased to present the first in a historic six-part article series on Maxwell's equations by Dr. Glen Dash. Written specifically for the Web, these articles are intended to serve as a primer on electromagnetic field theory. The first article introduces Maxwell's equations for static fields. Additional installments will be featured in upcoming editions of RF Globalnet newsletter.

By Dr. Glen Dash, Ampyx LLC

Maxwell's Equations are eloquently simple yet excruciatingly complex. Their first statement by James Clerk Maxwell in 1864 heralded the beginning of the age of radio and, one could argue, the age of modern electronics as well. Maxwell pulled back the curtain on one of the fundamental secrets of the universe. These equations just don't give the scientist or engineer insight, they are literally the answer to everything RF.

The problem is that the equations can be baffling to work with. Solving Maxwell's Equations for even simple structures like dipole antennas is not a trivial task. In fact, it will take us several chapters to get there. Solving Maxwell's Equations for real life situations, like predicting the RF emissions from a cell tower, requires more mathematical horsepower than any individual mind can muster. For problems like that we turn to computers for solutions. Computational solutions to Maxwell's Equations is a field that offers great promise. Unfortunately, that does not necessarily mean great answers. Computational solutions to Maxwell's Equations need to be subjected to a reality check. That, in turn, usually requires a real live scientist or engineer who understands Maxwell's Equations.