Modelling hysteresis loops for finite element magnetic field calculations

The paper describes hysteresis models to be used for the numerical analysis of distributed magnetic systems. A technique is shown for the piecewise linear representation of the flux density-field intensity relationship of magnetic materials. The technique, which proves to be useful because of its combination of simplicity and accuracy, is associated with a finite element computer program based on an incremental solution of the non linear magnetic problem. The computer program is so arranged that different shapes of hysteresis loops can be implemented, modelling different behavior of magnetic materials. An illustrative example is presented, dealing with an iron-core reactor excited by time varying currents.