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Chapter – 3

FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FORMULATIONS

3.1 Introduction

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was first developed in 1943 by R. Courant, who utilized

the Ritz method of numerical analysis and minimization of variational calculus to obtain

approximate solutions to vibration systems. By the early 70's, FEA was limited to

expensive mainframe computers generally owned by the aeronautics, automotive, defense,

and nuclear industries. Since the rapid decline in the cost of computers and the phenomenal

increase in computing power, FEA has been developed to an incredible precision. Present

day supercomputers are now able to produce accurate results for all kinds of parameters.

A theory is a general statement of principle abstracted from observation. And a model

is representation of a theory that can be used for control and prediction. For a model to be

useful, it must be realistic and yet simple enough to understand and manipulate. These

requirements are not easily fulfilled as realistic models are seldom simple and simple

models are seldom realistic.

The first formulations were developed as matrix methods for structural analysis. This

lead to the idea to approximate solids and Courant introduced an assembly of triangular

elements and the minimum of potential energy to torsion problems. Clough introduced the

term "finite element". Thus the initial development was done by engineers and later on its

mathematical foundation was laid enabling its extension to other fields.

3.2 Need for Numerical Analysis

Designers of electrical equipment for power applications have to satisfy the customer

on a number of points .Criteria include low first cost, low operating cost, high efficiency,

high reliability, minimum weight, close tolerance in specified parameters, ability to tolerate
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occasional sever abnormal conditions, ability to operate satisfactorily from a non

sinusoidal supply.

Additionally new types of machines are being developed and applied in defense

applications. Leakage fields and may also be important in traction applications where

humans may be close to the drive equipment. Electromagnetic interference is of growing

importance.

It will be clear that in many cases, it is essential to be able to analyze any proposed

design in considerable detail, so that a near optimum may be obtained. This becomes

especially important for large or special purpose equipment where cut and try methods are

impossible. Many of the critical factors mentioned above are dependent on magnetic and

electric field distributions and calculation of these quantities to the accuracy now designed

cannot be carried out by analytical procedures. The difficulties of factors such as

complicated geometry, saturation effects in iron. The presence of solid material in which

eddy currents can be induced, and some cases, three dimensional effects mean that a

numerical method is required.

3.3 Why Finite Elements?

If the designer has to achieve the aims then the design tool which will take in to the

account the following is needed.

1. Irregular geometric shape of components.

2. Non linearity of magnetic or electrical materials.

3. Induced currents in non regular components.

4. Anisotropic materials or structures.

5. External circuits.

6. Integration of thermal/mechanical effects.

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7. Non sinusoidal time variation of currents and fields.

The above list eliminates the analytical techniques purely on grounds of their inability

to treat irregular geometry and non linear materials. However, numerical methods are

capable of modeling the true geometry of the design in two and three dimensions.

Nonlinear characteristics of materials can be allowed for through iterative schemes such as

the NR method and non sinusoidal time variation represented by time stepping techniques.

Anisotropic materials, induced currents and external circuits are also capable of inclusion

in numerical treatment.

Having established that numerical techniques are essential for an advanced design

facility, the main numerical methods available are

1. Finite difference method

2. Finite element method

3. Boundary element method

There are two other numerical methods Finite volume method and spectral method

which are less useful when compared to the above methods. All have their advantages and

disadvantages, so complicating choice. However the finite element method incorporates

most of the advantages of the other two techniques without incurring significant

disadvantages. For instance the finite difference technique is not easily applicable to

modeling irregular geometries, which include slants and curved surfaces. Nodal

distribution can be very inefficient. This is not so with finite elements. Equally the

boundary element method can be modeled efficiently regions in which the material

properties are linear but not efficient in handling the nonlinear elements. Again, the finite

element method is well suited to modeling of non linear materials. Thus, without
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considering the problems and consequences of each method in detail, we believe that the

finite element is the best suited to the needs of designers.

3.4 What is finite element analysis?

FEA consists of a computer model of a material or design that is stressed and analyzed

for specific results. It is used in new product design, and existing product refinement. An

engineer is able to verify a proposed design and will be able to perform to the client's

specifications prior to manufacturing or construction. Modifying an existing product or

structure is utilized to qualify the product or structure for a new service condition. In case

of structural failure, FEA may be used to help determine the design modifications to meet

the new condition.

There are generally two types of analysis that are used in industry: 2-D modeling, and

3-D modeling. While 2-D modeling conserves simplicity and allows the analysis to be run

on a relatively normal computer, it tends to yield less accurate results. 3-D modeling,

however, produces more accurate results while sacrificing the ability to run on all but the

fastest computers effectively. Within each of these modeling schemes, the programmer can

insert numerous algorithms (functions) which may make the system behave linearly or

non-linearly. The type of modeling carried in this project is 2-D modeling to make it

easier.

3.5 How Does Finite Element Analysis Work?

FEA uses a complex system of points called nodes which make a grid called a mesh.

This mesh is programmed to contain the material and structural properties which define

how the structure will react to certain loading conditions. The loading conditions are like

current density or electric potential in case of preference being electromagnetic and

temperature, specific heat, force, displacements in case of structural and thermal

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conditions. Nodes are assigned at a certain density throughout the material depending on

the anticipated stress levels of a particular area. Regions which will receive large amounts

of stress usually have a higher node density than those which experience little or no stress.

Points of interest may consist of: fracture point of previously tested material, fillets,

corners, complex detail, and high stress areas. The mesh acts like a spider web in that from

each node, there extends a mesh element to each of the adjacent nodes. This web of vectors

is what carries the material properties to the object, creating many elements.

3.6 Basic steps of the Finite Element Method

After having an introduction of FEM in previous sections its now defined the method

in a more abstract form and then describes the basic steps of the method. As already stated

the finite element method is a numerical procedure for obtaining solutions to boundary

value problems. The principle of the method, as already said is to replace an entire

continuous domain by a number of sub domains in which the unknown function is

represented by a simple interpolation functions with unknown coefficients. Thus the

original boundary value problem with an infinite number of degrees of freedom is

converted into a problem with a finite no. of degrees of freedom, or in other words, the

solution is approximated by a finite number of unknown coefficients. Then a set of

algebraic equations or a system of equations is obtained by applying the ritz or galerkins

procedure and finally a solution of boundary value problem is solving the system of

equations. Therefore, a finite element analysis of a boundary-value problem should include

the following basic steps:

1. Discretization or subdivision of the domain

2. Selection of the interpolation functions

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3. Formulation of the systems of equations

4. Solution of the system of equations

3.7 Important points to be noted in the Analysis

The main facts behind the analysis are as follows

1. FEM belongs to a family of Weighted Residual Methods and the subset called

Galerkin methods.

2. The basic idea of WRM is to use a trial function with a number of unknown

parameters to approximate the solution. This gives an error in the governing

equations and boundary conditions. Then a weighted average over the interior and

boundary is set to zero.

3. Galerkin's method also uses the same function as weight and trial function. This is

shown in WRM to Ritz example.

4. FEM formulations use some further steps. Partial integration of the integrals in

WRM is used to create a formulation with the same degree of the derivatives on

the weight as well as the trial functions. Furthermore, essential boundary

conditions must be fulfilled.

3.8 General procedure for FEM

The basic and general procedure involved in fem is as follows.

1. Identify the system (governing) equation. (Usually DE)

L (φ) = 0

2. Introduce an integral form equation.

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Method of Weighted Residual Approach

3. Discretize the domain of interest into elements.

Figure 3.1 Discretization into elements of an irregular area

4. Introduce an approximation of the field variable over an element.

5. Evaluate the integral form over each element.

6. Assemble the global matrix equation.

7. Solve the matrix equation to get the unknowns

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8. Calculate the values of interest from the approximate solution.

3.9 FE Analysis of THREE PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR

The performance of Three Phase Induction motor depends on the variation of winding

inductance with the angle between stator and rotor poles, and because of saturation, with

current.

A common procedure is to neglect coupling between phases and to predict flux

linkages with an excited phase as a function of angle and current. The torque produced can

be derived from the change of co-energy. This usually gives satisfactory prediction of

performance though the results will obviously depend on the quality of flux linkage-

current-angle data, which will generally include an allowance of for three-dimensional

effects.

It will be apparent that there are several ways in which the finite element method can

be used as an aid to IM design. Analytical calculation of flux linkage-current-angle data

obviously involves simplification of geometry and saturation, even in two dimensions.

Finite element simulation is an accurate and relatively a simple way of obtaining data for

the two-dimensional case.

The FEA can give the torque contributions of a phase for a particular angle and current

by the application of either the Maxwell stress or Coulomb virtual work method. The

consequences of extra flux linkages at the ends can be of significance in IM’sand whilst the

FEM can be used to estimate end fluxes by taking a model which is created using standard

dimensions (given in chapter7) gives more accurate results. Again, in addition to obtaining
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inductance data, forces can be calculated: in this case, the Coulomb virtual work method is

easier to apply. But the scope of this project is limited in finding out the inductances.

Time stepping calculation is also possible, at least in two-dimensions. This has the

advantage that coupling between the phases can be allowed for, local density waves can be

derived to allow iron losses to be estimated and local surface intensities and force waves

can be deduced as an aid in avoiding vibration and noise problems. This is not included in

the project but included in the future scope.