Improved interactive visualization of magnetic flux lines in 3-D space using edge finite elements

An improved method for interactive visualization of magnetic flux lines in 3-D space is presented. The problem of determining the number of flux lines and their starting position is treated and solved using a simple and computationally efficient algorithm which incorporates the intensity values of the magnetic flux-density and several appropriate weighted functions. The solenoidal characteristic of the magnetic flux density distribution, which results in the magnetic flux lines becoming closed lines, is also successfully treated by means of edge finite elements. The procedure and examples used to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method are also presented.