Isogeometric Analysis and Harmonic Stator-Rotor Coupling for Simulating Electric Machines

This work proposes Isogeometric Analysis as an alternative to classical finite elements for simulating electric machines. Through the spline-based Isogeometric discretization it is possible to parametrize the circular arcs exactly, thereby avoiding any geometrical error in the representation of the air gap where a high accuracy is mandatory. To increase the generality of the method, and to allow rotation, the rotor and the stator computational domains are constructed independently as multipatch entities. The two subdomains are then coupled using harmonic basis functions at the interface which gives rise to a saddle-point problem. The properties of Isogeometric Analysis combined with harmonic stator-rotor coupling are presented. The results and performance of the new approach are compared to the ones for a classical finite element method using a permanent magnet synchronous machine as an example

Numerical Methods for the Estimation of the Impact of Geometric Uncertainties on the Performance of Electromagnetic Devices

This work addresses the application of Isogeometric Analysis to the simulation of particle accelerator cavities and other electromagnetic devices whose performance is mainly determined by their geometry. By exploiting the properties of B-Spline and Non-Uniform B-Spline basis functions, the Isogeometric approximation allows for the correct discretisation of the spaces arising from Maxwell's equations and for the exact representation of the computational domain. This choice leads to substantial improvements in both the overall accuracy and computational effort. The suggested framework is applied to the evaluation of the sensitivity of these devices with respect to geometrical changes using Uncertainty Quantification methods and to shape optimisation processes. The particular choice of basis functions simplifies the construction of the geometry deformations significantly. Finally, substructuring methods are proposed to further reduce the computational cost due to matrix assembly and to allow for hybrid coupling of Isogeometric Analysis and more classical Finite Element Methods. Considerations regarding the stability of such methods are addressed. The methods are illustrated by simple numerical tests and real world device simulations with particular emphasis on particle accelerator cavities

Shape Optimization of Rotating Electric Machines using Isogeometric Analysis and Harmonic Stator-Rotor Coupling

This work deals with shape optimization of electric machines using isogeometric analysis. Isogeometric analysis is particularly well suited for shape optimization as it allows to easily modify the geometry without remeshing the domain. A 6-pole permanent magnet synchronous machine is modeled using a multipatch isogeometric approach and rotation of the machine is realized by modeling the stator and rotor domain separately and coupling them at the interface using harmonic basis functions. Shape optimization is applied to the model minimizing the total harmonic distortion of the electromotive force as a goal functional

Combined Parameter and Shape Optimization of Electric Machines with Isogeometric Analysis

In structural optimization, both parameters and shape are relevant for the model performance. Yet, conventional optimization techniques usually consider either parameters or the shape separately. This work addresses this problem by proposing a simple yet powerful approach to combine parameter and shape optimization in a framework using Isogeometric Analysis (IGA). The optimization employs sensitivity analysis by determining the gradients of an objective function with respect to parameters and control points that represent the geometry. The gradients with respect to the control points are calculated in an analytical way using the adjoint method, which enables straightforward shape optimization by altering of these control points. Given that a change in a single geometry parameter corresponds to modifications in multiple control points, the chain rule is employed to obtain the gradient with respect to the parameters in an efficient semi-analytical way. The presented method is exemplarily applied to nonlinear 2D magnetostatic simulations featuring a permanent magnet synchronous motor and compared to designs, which were optimized using parameter and shape optimization separately. It is numerically shown that the permanent magnet mass can be reduced and the torque ripple can be eliminated almost completely by simultaneously adjusting rotor parameters and shape. The approach allows for novel designs to be created with the potential to reduce the optimization time substantially

Computational homogenization of soft matter friction: Isogeometric framework and elastic boundary layers

Cataloged from PDF version of article.A computational contact homogenization framework is established for the modeling and simulation of soft matter friction. The main challenges toward the realization of the framework are (1) the establishment of a frictional contact algorithm that displays an optimal combination of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness and plays a central role in (2) the construction of a micromechanical contact test within which samples of arbitrary size may be embedded and which is not restricted to a single deformable body. The former challenge is addressed through the extension of mixed variational formulations of contact mechanics to a mortar-based isogeometric setting where the augmented Lagrangian approach serves as the constraint enforcement method. The latter challenge is addressed through the concept of periodic embedding, with which a periodically replicated C1-continuous interface topography is realized across which not only pending but also ensuing contact among simulation cells will be automatically captured. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional investigations with unilateral/bilateral periodic/random roughness on two elastic micromechanical samples demonstrate the overall framework and the nature of the macroscopic frictional response. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

SOLID-SHELL FINITE ELEMENT MODELS FOR EXPLICIT SIMULATIONS OF CRACK PROPAGATION IN THIN STRUCTURES

Crack propagation in thin shell structures due to cutting is conveniently simulated using explicit finite element approaches, in view of the high nonlinearity of the problem. Solidshell elements are usually preferred for the discretization in the presence of complex material behavior and degradation phenomena such as delamination, since they allow for a correct representation of the thickness geometry. However, in solid-shell elements the small thickness leads to a very high maximum eigenfrequency, which imply very small stable time-steps. A new selective mass scaling technique is proposed to increase the time-step size without affecting accuracy. New ”directional” cohesive interface elements are used in conjunction with selective mass scaling to account for the interaction with a sharp blade in cutting processes of thin ductile shells