Title: Three dimensional electromagnetic fields computed by vector potential finite elements

Authors: J.R. Brauer, E.J. Fabisak Jr.

Addresses: The Engineering/Electromagnetics Applications Dept, The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation, 9076 N. Deerbrook Trail, Milwaukee, WI 53223, USA. ' The Engineering/Electromagnetics Applications Dept, The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation, 9076 N. Deerbrook Trail, Milwaukee, WI 53223, USA

Abstract: Three dimensional electromagnetic fields are calculated using the finite element method formulated with the magnetic vector potential. The magnetic vector potential is shown in many cases to be advantageous over the magnetic scalar potential in finite element analysis. The first examples reviewed are quasi-static saturable three dimensional magnetic field problems. The magnetic fields and electrical performance of a claw-pole type automotive alternator are computed and shown to agree well with measurements. The magnetic fields and torques of a rotary solenoid actuator are calculated and compared with measurements. The final examples are problems containing eddy currents and coupled electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields and resonant frequency calculated for a typical microwave cavity are shown to agree with theory. The electromagnetic fields scattered by a conducting object in a lossy medium are calculated by vector potential finite elements and shown to agree with classical theory.

Keywords: finite element analysis; FEA; vector potential; electromagnetic fields; magnetic fields; electric machinery; electromagnetic waves; alternators; solenoids; microwaves; resonators; scattering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.1989.062720

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 1989 Vol.2 No.3, pp.137 - 142

Published online: 11 Jun 2014 *

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