Magnetic Field Analysis by the Edge Element FEM

Abstract

Several useful techniques are presented for magnetic field analysis by the edge element FEM. The relations of nodal, edge, and facet shape functions are visualized as important properties using the differential operators of gradient and rotation. These shape functions and the rotation of edge shape functions are presented for tetrahedral, prismatic, pyramidal, and hexahedral elements. Furthermore, the method of determining coil current distributions satisfied with conservation of current is shown using a current vector potential and a surface tree gauge condition for open-loop coils and closed loop coils.