Space change of eddy current power by induction heating of steel cylinders

Abstract

Finite difference (FDM), finite element (FEM) and integral equation methods are widely used in the numerical simulation of electromagnetic and heat transfer problems of induction heating. Each of these methods has certain advantages and can be used either directly or in combination with others. Both the FDM and FEM discretise a continuous function, and generate simultaneous algebraic equations to be solved for nodal functions. A difficulty that often arises when solving electromagnetic problems is how to treat regions that extend to infinity in space directions. Several methods have been used that take into account the infinite exterior region, all of which have some advantages and some disadvantages. As an alternative to FDM and FEM, the integral equation method (IEM) has been used to solve induction eddy current problems for cylindrical geometries. In contrast with the differential approach the integral equation approach does not require additional boundary conditions. One of the main advantages of the integral equations is that the area of the integration is confined to surfaces. Experience of using different numerical methods for solving induction heating problems shows that the combination of FDM or FEM with IEM is very promising.