Abstract
The paper describes an approach to teaching low-frequency electromagnetic CAD techniques to undergraduate students pursuing a degree course in electrical engineering. The simulated experiments make use of a two-dimensional open-access software based on the finite-element method. At the laboratory meetings, the problems are initially solved analytically. Upon this, students learn how to create the numeric model and how to define the sequence of field problems that lead to the required solution. Simulation tasks based on a force-producing electromagnet are used to introduce numeric techniques to determine magnetic field distribution, evaluation of energy storage and generation of magnetic forces. The nature of the magnetic force generated in the air gaps of the C-core electromagnet is explained in detail. Magnetic forces are calculated by the classical and weighted versions of the method of Maxwell stress tensor. The paper provides all the basic elements required for further exploration of devices with longitudinal symmetry.
Highlights
The present work aims to encourage higher education teachers to use finite element programs as a complementary tool in the teaching of electromagnetics
The simulated experiments make use of a two-dimensional open-access software based on the finite-element method
The manuscript takes the reader to a step-by-step simulation journey that provides all the basic elements required for the analysis of electromagnetic devices with longitudinal symmetry
Summary
The present work aims to encourage higher education teachers to use finite element programs as a complementary tool in the teaching of electromagnetics. A limited and free of charge students’ version of commercial packages started to be released To make their product even more competitive, some companies have allowed free access to a series of files containing lecture notes, problem workshops and tutorials based on the limited version of their software [7] [8]. In their experience in teaching electromagnetics, Yin et al have used a combination of two commercial simulation packages and in-house developed software [9]. This numeric model is employed in six simulated experiments chosen to introduce numeric techniques to determine magnetic field distribution, evaluation of magnetic energy storage, generation of magnetic forces and eddy current losses
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