Scattering by distributions of small thin particles

The construction of a vector potential in the context of low frequency scattering was studied. In many cases of low frequency scattering, only the first term of the expansion is necessary to adequately characterize the scattered field. This is obtained by solving a static field scattering problem. For particles which are very thin existing numerical codes become highly unstable. An algorithm is developed expressly for the thin plates, permitting arbitrarily shaped plates with complex permittivities. The solution is obtained using a finite element method with linear basis functions over triangular elements. The results of the program include the calculation of the dipole moments associated with the plates, and the manner in which these dipole moments affect the electrical properties of the entire distribution is discussed.