Three-dimensional eddy current calculation by an adaptive three-component boundary element algorithm

An adaptive technique of calculating three-dimensional eddy currents by using the three-component boundary element algorithm is presented. The three-component algorithm is a minimum-order boundary element method in the calculation of three-dimensional eddy currents, which employs only three scalar unknowns on each mesh node, so that about 40% computer memory and 50% computational time can be saved relative to the conventional four-component algorithm that usually employs a scalar and a three-component vector as unknowns. The error estimate of the three-component algorithm and the implementation of the adaptive technique are described. The error estimate is based on the residue of the boundary element equation at the non-collocation mesh nodes. The adaptive technique is able to save computer memory and increase the accuracy of the solution greatly