Comparison Between Finite and Boundary Element Methods for Analysis of Electrostatic Field Around Human Head Generated by Video Display Units

Abstract

Boundary and finite element modeling approach to the assessment of electrostatic field on human head generated by Video Display Units (VDU’s) are compared and discussed. Attention is focused to the field distribution over the surface of the face. The mathematical formulation for the assessment of the electrostatic field is based on the Laplace equation for the electric scalar potential. The electrostatic field is calculated for two different models of face. Numerical results are presented and compared in order to estimate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the two methods for the considered problem. In order to make comparison as meaningful as possible, boundaryand finite element codes have been both developed by theauthors. In general, boundary element appears to be the better choice than finite element with respect to computational efficiency and level of accuracy.