Finite element solution of saturated travelling magnetic field problems

Following the Galerkin projective technique, first-order triangular finite elements are derived for the nonlinear diffusion equation-in the general form which includes both time-dependent and notional terms. The method is applied to a simplified model of a single-sided linear induction motor, for which the finite element equations are solved by an implicit method in time, and iteratively in space. The results suggest that the screening effect of eddy currents in the iron is quite strong.