A finite element/Fourier expansion technique for the design of a pulsed radial gradient system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A finite element/Fourier expansion technique is presented for use in the design of a coil system for producing pulsed radial gradients for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The technique employs the high magnetic Reynolds number approximation and a Fourier expansion technique to the three dimensional eddy current problem to allow the solution of a sequence of two dimensional axisymmetric problems. The details of the algorithm will be presented along with examples of its application to the design of a radial gradient system for a whole-body MRI system.