An interface between eddy current calculations and structural analysis

Algorithms are described which automate to a high degree the interface between two independently developed computer programs. The first program, SPARK, calculates eddy currents and resulting structural loading based on a previously described network mesh method. The loading is converted to a form suitable for processing by the second program, NASTRAN, which is a widely used structural analysis routine based on a finite element method. Both programs share essentially the same geometric input. Examples are shown of dynamic response due to transient eddy current loading.