Finite element calculation of fields around the end region of a turbine generator test rig

The use of surface impedance elements and the use of volume elements when modeling at test rig using the MEGA package are compared. The test rig is representative of a turbine generator. The work is supported by practical measurements. Experimental results indicate that it is possible to model 3-D fields in large-scale objects containing nonlinear conducting iron using finite elements. Two methods for modeling the iron are compared: conventional volume elements and surface impedance elements. Both methods give similar results, but the latter method is much more economical. Some complex devices are impractical to model on inexpensive workstations without using surface impedance elements