Accurate Computation of Axisymmetric Vector Potential Fields with the Finite Element Method

A highly efficient formulation is described for implementing the finite element method for axisymmetric vector field analysis. The method was tested to investigate its full potential for the solution of steady-state and transient electromagnetic fields before application to specific problems. Computational tests show that the method requires comparable computing time to the equivalent Cartesian coordinate problem. The results of some numerical examples are presented including problems with different time-dependent source vectors. Results obtained are compared, where possible, against analytical solutions, as well as experimental results. An error analysis confirms that the accuracy is very good even for elements placed near the axis. Hence the singularity problem is effectively removed, as expected.