What can we simulate with Flux?
Introduction
Considering the previous statements, what can we simulate with Flux, and how is the simulation carried out?
Magnetic states and Flux applications
In Flux software, the different “magnetic states” correspond to different physics applications.
Generally, a magnetic application studies the magnetic phenomena created by:
- currents (stationary, variable, or sinusoidal)
- magnets
The three available physics applications are the Magnetostatic, Transient Magnetic and Steady state AC Magnetic applications. The main characteristics of these applications are listed in the table below.
| Application |
The magnetic field is created by … |
The application takes into account … | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magneto Static |
stationary currents (steady state) |
magnets | |
| Transient Magnetic |
Variables currents (variable state/ transient state) |
magnets |
|
| Steady state AC Magnetic |
Sinusoidal currents (steady state) |
! magnets forbidden ! | |
Examples
Examples of the devices studied are presented below:
- structures with permanent magnets for particle accelerators, spectrometers or MRI magnets, magnetic reading heads, magnetic shieldings, devices for magnetic separation;
- magnetic bearings, electromagnets, contactors;
- rotating machines, micromotors, transformers;
- induction heating devices…
Choice of application
For one device, it is possible to carry out a study with each Flux magnetic application in order to study different aspects.
| Application | Aspects |
|---|---|
|
Magneto Static |
Static study: magnetic field distribution, saturation level of materials |
| Transient Magnetic | Time study: effect on the magnetic field of the current variation caused by the powering, short circuits… (rotating machines, transformers…) |
| Steady state AC Magnetic | Steady state AC study: magnetic field in sinusoidal steady state (rotating machines, transformers…) |
Coupling with an electric circuit
The analysis of electric devices can be limitted by the complexity of the power supply. This may cause difficulty in getting the values of the voltage and/or of the currents at the device terminals.
By directly introducing the electric equations in the software of magnetic field computation, the “circuit coupling” allows the modeling of the interdependence between the conductors and its power supply circuit. It is called field-circuit coupling (or coupling with circuit equation).
It is possible to use the “circuit coupling” with the Transient Magnetic and Steady state AC Magnetic applications.
Kinematic coupling
The Flux kinematic module enables the study of a moving part in a device determined by mechanical forces (due to springs, friction, gravity, etc.). This refers to magneto-mechanical coupling (or study with kinematic coupling).