ABSTRACT
The method of lines (MOL) is a well-established numerical technique (or rather a semianalytical method) for the analysis of transmission lines, waveguide structures, and scattering problems. The MOL is regarded as a special finite difference method (FDM) but more effective with respect to accuracy and computational time than the regular FDM. It basically involves discretizing a given differential equation in one or two dimensions while using analytical solution in the remaining dimension. This chapter considers the application of MOL to solve Laplace's equation (elliptic problem) involving two-dimensional rectangular and cylindrical regions. The MOL is particularly suitable for modeling a wide range of transmission lines and planar waveguide structures with multiple layers. This involves discretizing the Helmholtz's wave equation in one direction while the other direction is treated analytically. The chapter illustrates the use of MOL to analyze the dispersion characteristics of the cylindrical microstrip transmission line using full-wave analysis.
