Coupled vector-scalar potential method for 3D magnetostatic field computations using hexahedral finite elements

Abstract

This paper introduces a three dimensional finite element (3D-FE) method based on a coupled vector-scalar potential formulation. The method is most suited for large-scale magnetostatic field applications containing mixed media (conductors-iron), due to substantial savings in computational storage and cpu time. The method allows one to calculate the magnetic field intensity in the current-carrying regions using a reduced curl-curl formulation based on a second order hexahedral type FE. The resulting reduced field intensity is used to develop forcing functions for a global magnetic scalar potential solution over the entire volume of the problem based on a first order hexahedral type FE. The analysis developed is applied to illustrative shell-type transformer for verification pnrposes of numerical results.

Magnetic field analysis of an ironless brushless DC machine

“…In addition, there are many software packages currently available in the market, which are relatively inexpensive, accurate, easy to use, and suitable for such analysis. Naturally, this has led most authors to focus largely on numerical techniques when obtaining solutions for magnetic field problems [2]- [4]. Nevertheless, attempts are still being made to obtain analytical solutions for magnetic field problems associated with electric machines in order to facilitate efficient and optimum designs through the change of motor parameters [5], [6].…”