Generalized variational principles for boundary value problem of electromagnetic field in electrodynamics

An expression of the generalized principle of virtual work for the boundary value problem of the linear and anisotropic electromagnetic field is given. Using Chien’s method, a pair of generalized variational principles (GVPs) are established, which directly leads to all four Maxwell’s equations, two intensity-potential equations, two constitutive equations, and eight boundary conditions. A family of constrained variational principles is derived sequentially. As additional verifications, two degenerated forms are obtained, equivalent to two known variational principles. Two modified GVPs are given to provide the hybrid finite element models for the present problem.