List of Flux 2023.1 new features

In previous version, Flux e-Machine Toolbox was running with Java 8 and NetBeans Platforms 12.5 framework. For security reasons, in version 2023.1 Flux e-Machine Toolbox is now running with Java 11 only. In this version, Flux e-Machine Toolbox launchers are now available in following paths:

• Graphical User Interface: Flux\EMachineToolbox\Scripts\win\EMachineToolbox.exe
• Command Line: Flux\EMachineToolbox\Scripts\win\emtcli.bat

MeshGems is always available, but now the default mesher is the Altair Solid Mesher Library.

It's planned to remove MeshGems in the next release.

In version 2023.1, Flux 2D provides its users with novel Topology optimization tools for the design of electromagnetic devices. This new toolset complements the free-shape optimization functions already available in Flux 2D, allowing electromagnetic designers to benefit even further from the state-of-the-art structural optimization methods offered by the Flux-OptiStruct coupling. Topological optimization methods are based upon the addition or removal of the matter composing the parts being optimized. This process frequently leads to quite innovative shapes that may not have been previously considered.

New tools allowing the inclusion of Mechanical responses and constraints in Free-shape and Topology optimization problems are now available in Flux 2023.1.

The consideration of Mechanical Problems improves the results yielded by an optimization problem when compared to the optimization of a device based solely on electromagnetic quantities.

• Equation responses: a response described by an equation involving simple mathematical functions and other responses.
• Super responses: a response derived from other responses through a mathematical operation targeting all their values in a scenario (e.g average, max, min, RMS)

These are compatible with both Free-Shape and Topology optimization problems, and may be used with advantage (from a performance point of view) when compared with responses described by Compose functions.

The example carries out the shape optimization of a synchronous reluctance machine (SRM). Mean torque will be optimized.

The initial geometry of the SRM is imported from a STEP file. Three different shape optimizations will be presented: without constrains, imposing a rotor mass decrease of 20% and imposing this same mass reduction and rotor’s symmetry.

The studied device, a wound field motor presented in the figure below, includes the following elements:

• a fixed part (stator) including yoke, slots, and windings
• a movable rotating part (rotor) with slots and a winding carrying a constant current
• an airgap between those two sets

6 uses cases	Illustration
Case 1: Open Circuit Test Case 2: Three phase Case 3: One phase Case 4: Phase-to-phase Case 5: Phase-to-phase-to-earth Case 6: On Load Test

Those macro now can be used on machines that have rotor with coil conductors instead of magnets (wound field motor for instance).

The Skew macro have been corrected to be able to be used in any type of skewing (step skew, continuous skew, continuous layered skew). The skewing can either be at the rotor or the stator.

Add a new input that allows to preset a rotor initial position a t=0s.

This macro intends to create look up table of flux dq, Ld, Lq and torque versus Id, Iq and rotor position (if needed). The goal is for analysis on the system part (like with Twin Activate or PSIM for instance). It will create a new Magneto-Static project from the transient magnetic one. In the Magneto-Static project the current is driven with Id and Iq allowing to extract easily all the needed tables. At the end of the oml file in comment there is the possibility to display Ld, Lq and torque versus Id and Iq with Altair Compose. An *.mat file is created.

MeshingForMechanicalOptim.PFM (New)

The purpose of this macro is to generate and control a refined mesh that is adapted to Topology optimization problems. It also generates meshes that are suitable to Free-shape optimization problems relying on Mechanical problems.

The macro can be executed by simply selecting the faces for optimization. The macro will set an inactive relaxation on these faces and disable relaxation on the lines of these faces. It allows also remeshing some additional faces proposed by the user (optional) to obtain a regular mesh. It will set a medium relaxation on these faces and set inactive relaxation on the lines of these faces. The mesh size is controlled by creating a mesh point with a default value of 0.5 mm (which can be modified by the user).

The macro is stored in the folder ../Extensions/Macros/Macros_Flux2D_Optimization.