Edge-element computation of the force field in deformable bodies

The author presents an edge-element method (h-formulation) for the computation of force fields in full generality: deformable bodies, nonlinear b-h laws, and the presence of magnets. It gives not only integrated quantities such as resultant or torque, but also local force. The main ingredients are: (1) a Langrangian approach (`co-moving´ mesh and Maxwell equations expressed in `material´ form); (2) the virtual work principle (force as the derivative of coenergy with respect to configurations), and (3) edge-based degrees of freedom, which can be interpreted as magnetomotive forces along the edges