Benchmark problem definition and cross-validation for characteristic mode solvers

In October 2016, the Special Interest Group on Theory of Characteristic Modes (TCM) initiated a coordinated effort to perform benchmarking work for characteristic mode (CM) analysis. The primary purpose is to help improve the reliability and capability of existing CM solvers and to provide the means for validating future tools. Significant progress has already been made in this joint activity. In particular, this paper describes several benchmark problems that were defined and analyzes some results from the cross-validations of different CM solvers using these problems. The results show that despite differences in the implementation details, good agreement is observed in the calculated eigenvalues and eigencurrents across the solvers. Finally, it is concluded that future work should focus on understanding the impact of common parameters and output settings to further reduce variability in the results.