3D adaptive finite element method with edge elements [for machine calculations]

A 3D adaptive finite element analysis algorithm is developed for precise electric machine force and torque calculation. The edge elements are used in the analysis, and the nodal force method is introduced for force and torque calculation, respectively. The bisection method is adopted to refine the elements that have big local error, which is estimated using the field continuity condition at the interface between the adjacent elements. Through 2D and 3D numerical examples the validity of the developed algorithm is proved.