Multi-harmonic modelling of motional magnetic field problems using a hybrid finite element–boundary element discretisation

This paper deals with the numerical steady-state analysis of motional magnetic field problems in the frequency domain. An original method for taking into account an arbitrary periodic movement in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional hybrid finite element–boundary element model is proposed. It is elaborated in detail for a general two-dimensional eddy current problem and validated by means of a simple test case. The latter concerns a conducting pendulum that swings back and forth in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. The time-periodic problem is solved by means of the proposed multi-harmonic method, using both a hybrid model and a finite element model. The obtained waveforms are shown to converge to each other and to those obtained with a time-domain approach.