Simulated Experiments for Teaching CAD Techniques Using Analytic and Finite Element Solutions of Electromagnetic Two-Dimensional Problems with Longitudinal Symmetry

Abstract

The paper describes an approach to teaching low-frequency electromagnetic CAD techniques to undergraduate students pursuing a degree course in electrical engineering. The simulated experiments make use of a two-dimensional open-access software based on the finite-element method. At the laboratory meetings, the problems are initially solved analytically. Upon this, students learn how to create the numeric model and how to define the sequence of field problems that lead to the required solution. Simulation tasks based on a force-producing electromagnet are used to introduce numeric techniques to determine magnetic field distribution, evaluation of energy storage and generation of magnetic forces. The nature of the magnetic force generated in the air gaps of the C-core electromagnet is explained in detail. Magnetic forces are calculated by the classical and weighted versions of the method of Maxwell stress tensor. The paper provides all the basic elements required for further exploration of devices with longitudinal symmetry. Journal of Electromagnetic Analysis and Applications involving non-homogeneous, non-linear and time-dependent problems has been determinant in the choice of this numerical method. The manuscript takes the reader to a step-by-step simulation journey that provides all the basic elements required for the analysis of electromagnetic devices with longitudinal symmetry.A. F. L. Nogueira et al.

An Introductory Note on Finite Element Problems Based on the Eddy Current Testing Approach

“…The grain of the finite element mesh in different regions of the model is defined by the parameter "edge size" [14]. This parameter defines a constraint on the largest possible size of the triangles' edges allowed in a given region.…”