THE FINITE ELEMENT-BOUNDARY INTEGRAL HYBRID METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION TO TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD PROBLEMS

Accurate and flexible techniques for the solution of two-dimensional eddy current-magnetic field problems are of prime importance to the designers of electrical equipment. These techniques enable the designer to predict the flux density distribution and associated eddy current losses of a complex piece of equipment prior to its actual construction. Thus the designer can be assured that he has developed a reliable and cost effective design.;In this thesis, three flexible and relatively accurate numerical techniques for the solution of two-dimensional eddy current-magnetic field problems are presented. They are the finite element, boundary integral and finite element-boundary integral hybrid methods. The finite element method is applied in the solution of magnetic and electric vector potential boundary value problems, whereas the boundary integral and hybrid methods are employed in the solution of magnetic vector potential infinite domain problems.;The finite element and boundary integral methods are powerful techniques by themselves, but they do have their disadvantages. Fortunately, a particular disadvantage of one technique is complemented by a corresponding advantage of the other. This is the motivating force behind combining the two techniques into the hybrid method.;The accuracy of the techniques is assessed by applying them to problems with known closed-form solutions. Their flexibility is demonstrated by way of numerous examples of academic as well as practical value.