Improved 3d-Fe Computational Method For Magnetostatic Field Problems Using Unconstrained Vector Potential

Abstract

This paper introduces an improved three dimensional finite-element (3D-FE) computational approach for magnetostatic field problems using unconstrained magnetic vector potential (MVP) formulation in conjunction with hexahedral type elements. It was found that the use of first order or second order hexahedral type element in the FE formulation eliminates the sensitivity of the FE computational results to grid geometries and elemental shape ill-conditioning associated with first order tetrahedral type elements. The method is shown to be computationally economical and is highly recommended for large scale global type 3D magnetostatic field computations in electrical devices.