Convert current application (in a given Flux module)

Introduction

Flux provides applications in several domains of physics, which include magnetic, electric and thermal studies.

For instance, the magnetic applications available are:
  • Magneto static,
  • Steady State AC and
  • Transient magnetic.

Users may switch between the applications in a simple manner, thanks to the application conversion commands provided in Flux.

These allow changing from one application to another without having to redefine the entire model, i.e., without losing the basic description in the initial application (geometry, mesh and physics).

The conversion commands help users to avoid errors and manage eventual incompatibilities between applications, leading to a significant time saving. The following sections discuss the possible conversions, how to perform them, the underlying conversion rules and the eventual limitations.

Available conversions

Application conversions are authorized:

  • between applications in the same module (Flux 2D, Flux 3D or Flux Skew) and
  • for applications in the same domain (magnetic or thermal).

The following tables summarize the available conversions:

Table 1. Available conversions between 2D magnetic applications
2D magnetic applications Magneto Static Steady State AC Transient Magnetic Steady State AC Magnetic coupled with Transient Thermal
Magneto Static -
Steady State AC -
Transient Magnetic -
Steady State AC Magnetic coupled with Transient Thermal -
Table 2. Available conversions between 3D magnetic applications
3D magnetic applications Magneto Static Steady State AC Transient Magnetic Steady State AC Magnetic coupled with Transient Thermal
Magneto Static -
Steady State AC -
Transient Magnetic -
Steady State AC Magnetic coupled with Transient Thermal -
Table 3. Available conversions between skew magnetic applications
Skew magnetic applications Magneto Static Steady State AC Transient Magnetic
Magneto Static -
Steady State AC -
Transient Magnetic -
Table 4. Available conversions between 2D thermal applications
2D Thermal applications Steady State Thermal Transient Thermal
Steady State Thermal -
Transient Thermal -
Table 5. Available conversions between 3D thermal applications
3D Thermal applications Steady State Thermal Transient Thermal
Steady State Thermal -
Transient Thermal -
Important: Application conversions are not available for electric or for coupled applications.

How to convert the current application

The application conversion commands are available while in pre-processing and after defining a first application.

To perform an application conversion in Flux:
  • Click on the menu Application;
  • Choose Convert current application;
  • Select the desired target application. The possible options are in accordance with the tables in the previous section.
    Note: In Flux 2D, the additional option to Skew module is also available. This special command involves switching between Flux modules (i.e., from Flux 2D to Flux Skew) and is covered in a dedicated page: Convert current 2D magnetic application to Skew.

After selecting the target application, a dialog box appears and prompts the user to provide additional information required to complete the conversion:

  • Enter the Frequency in Hertz (only when converting to a Steady State target application).
  • Choose between:
    • overwriting the current project (beware; the initial project will be lost) or
    • saving the converted project as a new project. In this case, a name must be provided for the new project.
Important: After completing a conversion, it is recommended to:
  • Verify the console output for a summary of the actions that were automatically performed.
  • Verify the console output for any manual actions still required to complete the conversion (refer to sections Conversion rules and Limitations).
  • Execute the Check physics command (available in the Physics menu).
  • Review the definition of the regions and circuits in the project.

Conversion rules

The main conversion rules are listed below:

  • If the region type of the original project exists in the requested application, then the conversion is achieved.
  • In the general case, if a region in the original project is of a type that does not exist in the requested application, then it is converted to an Inactive region.
  • In the specific case of solid conductor regions, and when converting to a Magneto Static application from a Transient Magnetic or from a Steady State AC magnetic application, they are converted to magnetic non conducting regions and keep their materials. Moreover, if the solid conductor region had a magnet material and had its orientation defined in the original application, then the converted magnetic non conducting region keeps that orientation as well.
  • The resulting circuit may contain "holes" if the original circuit contains components not existing in the target application. The user must redefine the required circuit.
  • For data conversions of complex to real type, the field will be empty, and the user will have to define it.

Limitations

The limitations are listed below:

  • Formulas with spatial quantities are not kept, they are set to 0.
  • The conversion of sensors is not managed. Please check the formula of parameter using these sensors.
  • When converting to an application that does not support electric circuits (e.g. Magneto Static), coil conductors belonging to a circuit are converted to coil conductors with an imposed current equal to 0 A.
  • The kinematics type of mechanical sets with motion must be redefined and validated.