Time-domain finite element method for voltage-operated electromagnetic devices

A method for the simulation of the magnetic flux density distribution in electromagnetic devices is presented. The method, which takes full account of saturation, is applied to a magnetic circuit with an air gap. The finite-element model employed applies to electromagnetic devices operating at power frequencies where displacement currents can be neglected. The closeness of the air gap flux obtained from the closed-form solution to that from the method presented demonstrates the accuracy of the method. It is suitable for the computation of the current taken by the device for any applied voltage and load