THE EFFICIENCY OF TRANSMISSION-LINE MATRIX MODELING - A RIGOROUS VIEWPOINT

The difference equations of the scalar linear transmission-line matrix (TLM) routine as introduced by Johns for numerically solving the diffusion equation are shown to be isomorphic to Goldstein's correlated random walk model of diffusion. For the infinite homogeneous bar their exact solution is derived algebraically and given in the form of Jacobi polynomials. This puts the TLM algorithm on a sounder mathematical and physical basis. The accuracy in solving the diffusion equation is investigated in general form and thus its astonishing efficiency explained. Several other basic questions of this numerical technique are also discussed.