Dimensional analysis and constraint propagation systems applied to the design of electromagnetic devices

Abstract

The paper addresses the two issues of whether the specification of a particular device is complete (i.e. a numerical model could be constructed from them) and whether ranges set on particular parameters lead to a physically valid search space. The methods used involve structuring a mathematical model as an equation network providing relationships between parameters. The dimensions of the specifications are checked against the model using dimensional analysis and the effects of ranges are determined by using interval mathematics coupled with constraint propagation.