Since version 2026, Flux 3D and Flux PEEC are no longer available.

Please use SimLab to create a new 3D project or to import an existing Flux 3D project.

Please use SimLab to create a new PEEC project (not possible to import an existing Flux PEEC project).

/!\ Documentation updates are in progress – some mentions of 3D may still appear.

Magneto-thermal coupling

Introduction

The thermal analysis is a key factor for the design of electrical devices such as motors, transformers or busbars. Given the interdependence between the electromagnetic and the thermal phenomena, it is necessary to have them studied together. In the case of a motor, the generated losses heat the device and the increase in temperature changes the magnetic and electric properties of the materials. As a result, losses increase, the temperature increases again and the same cycle repeats itself until stabilization.

In Flux, the proposed magneto-thermal couplings are:

  • Flux (Electromagnetic) – Flux (Thermal)
  • Flux (Electromagnetic) – STAR-CCM+ (Thermal)
  • Flux (Electromagnetic) – Fluent (Thermal) *

The magneto-thermal couplings discussed in this section are accessible in Flux 2D and 3D within the multiphysics context. The user no longer has to write the python scripts in order to set up the communication between the tools.

Plus, Flux (electromagnetic) allows exporting losses densities to AcuSolve where thermal analysis can be done.
Note: *the Flux-Fluent coupling is proposed in Flux but requires advanced computer science knowledge. It is equally possible to contact the Altair support to obtain appropriate help.

Contents