The Radiation Mode Theory
The radiation mode theory, developed the last decade or so, is a major counterpart of finite element methods and finite difference methods. The drawback is its enormous complexity. The advantage is that analytical predictions are possible and that therefore the theory does more than simply predicting phenomena by means of simulations. Currently, the theory is under development to be used in anisotropic media. This is very important to simulate the propagation of ultrasound in composite materials of finite dimensions, with or without damage or artifacts.