Boundary element analysis method for 3-D transient eddy current problems based on the second order vector potential formulation

The authors consider a boundary-element method (BEM) for 3-D transient eddy current problems formulated in terms of the second-order vector potential (SOVP). Indirect boundary integral equations are derived using the time-dependent fundamental solution and fictitious source densities. In the numerical implementation, a time-stepping convolution approach is adopted to eliminate the need for volume discretization and domain integration. Numerical results of a benchmark problem demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the technique. The proposed scheme, compared with an alternative volume-based recurring initial condition approach, not only provides considerable reduction in the manpower requirements for modeling, but also permits a more precise solution, especially for 3-D problems