Manifold and metric in numerical solution of the quasi-static electromagnetic boundary value problems

Classical vector analysis is the predominant formalism used by engineers of computational electromagnetism, despite the fact that manifold as a theoretical concept has existed for a century. This paper discusses the benefits of manifolds over the traditional approach in practical problems of modelling. With a structural approach, it outlines the role and interdependence of coordinate systems, metric, constitutive equations, and fields, and relates them to practical problems of quasi-static computational electromagnetics: mesh generation, open-boundary problems, and electromagnetic-mechanical coupled problems involving motion and deformation. The proposed procedures also imply improvements to the flexibility of the modelling software.