Divergence-Conforming Constrained Basis Functions for Hexahedral Volume Elements

This communication presents an algebraic method for constructing arbitrary-order, divergence-conforming basis functions on hexahedral volume elements. The appropriate constraints within and on the boundaries of elements are provided. In particular, the handling of faces where quantities are discontinuous is discussed. The resulting bases are numerically characterized in terms of error convergence and system conditioning for a moment method discretization of the electric field volume integral equation for dielectric scatterers. Results show the accuracy of the proposed method as well as the low system matrix condition number that can be maintained as the basis order and mesh discretization are increased.