Uncertainty Quantification in Computational Electromagnetics: Techniques and Applications to Safety-Critical Systems

Computational electromagnetics (CEM) is now a vital tool for analyzing, designing, and certifying modern engineering systems. This holds particularly true in domains where safety and reliability closely correlate with electromagnetic performance. However, traditional electromagnetic simulations often overlook the uncertainties that come from material properties, geometric variations, excitation conditions, environmental factors, and numerical approximations. Ignoring these uncertainties can weaken the trustworthiness of simulation predictions in critical safety applications. This review offers a clear and current look at uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods in computational electromagnetics, focusing on their importance in safety-critical systems. It examines the sources and types of uncertainty in CEM, describes the key electromagnetic models and numerical solvers, and evaluates current UQ techniques. The paper discusses applications in biomedical electromagnetics, aerospace and transportation systems, electromagnetic compatibility, and power and high-voltage engineering to demonstrate how UQ enhances CEM's practical value. By combining methodical developments with insights from real-world applications, this paper serves as a valuable reference for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers aiming to improve uncertainty-aware electromagnetic modeling in safety-critical systems.