Interactive computer aided design of electric machines and electromagnetic apparatus (invited)

Abstract

The design of electromagnetic devices in industry is still largely done using traditional techniques. Early computing facilities were costly to use and limited to alphanumeric applications. The application of numerical methods, mainly finite elements, to the solution of electromagnetic field problems, proved to be difficult to implement initially due to input/output problems. These difficulties were completely obviated by the advent of inexpensive microcomputers and low cost interactive graphics. However, it is still uncommon to find these new methods being employed as part of the normal electrical design process. Meanwhile, in parallel, there has been a massive growth of computer-aided methods applied to all aspects of mechanical engineering design and drafting, CADCAM. The trend is towards small, powerful, expandable, dedicated computer systems equipped with high resolution interactive graphics, which can be connected via a fast datalink. These are commonly available, complete with software, as turnkey systems. The advantages of CADCAM are manifold: Lower costs, higher productivity, higher quality products, with shorter lead times. The introduction of CADCAM will result in organisational as well as technical changes. The major change will be in the way people think.