Improved T-psi nodal finite element schemes for eddy current problems

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose improved T - psi finite element schemes for eddy current problems in the three-dimensional bounded domain with a simply-connected conductor. In order to utilize nodal finite elements in space discretization, we decompose the magnetic field into summation of a vector potential and the gradient of a scalar potential in the conductor; while in the nonconducting domain, we only deal with the gradient of the scalar potential. As distinguished from the traditional coupled scheme with both vector and scalar potentials solved in a discretizing equation system, the proposed decoupled scheme is presented to solve them in two separate equation systems, which avoids solving a saddle-point equation system like the traditional coupled scheme and leads to an important saving in computational effort. The simulation results and the data comparison of TEAM Workshop Benchmark Problem 7 between the coupled and decoupled schemes show the validity and efficiency of the decoupled one. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.