Finite-Element Solution of the Eddy-Current Problem in Magnetic Structures

Analysis of the eddy-currentproblem in magnetic structures by the method of Finite-elements is presented. The linear diffusion equation representing the appropriate energy functional is described. The field region is discretised by triangular Finite-elements and the solution to the field problem is obtained by minimizing the energy functional with respect to each of the vertex values of the vector potential. Expressions for the magnetic field, electric field and eddy-current losses are presented. The method is applied to a few cases of engineering interest and compared with results of classical analysis and tests.