Losses Approximation for Soft Magnetic Composites Based on a Homogenized Equivalent Conductivity

Soft magnetic composites (SMC) are a promising alternative to laminated steel in many Electrical Engineering applications. This is largely owing to their low level of eddy current losses. The electromagnetic behavior of SMC in electromagnetic devices cannot be easily predicted using standard numerical techniques such as the finite element method, mostly due to the computational cost required to model the material microstructure. Another difficulty lies in the high property contrast between the matrix and the inclusions. In this paper we propose a homogenization strategy to define the equivalent electromagnetic properties of SMC. For components made of SMC, the equivalent conductivity and permeability can be determined. These equivalent properties can be used to calculate eddy current losses or introduced into structural analysis tools to design electromagnetic devices

Modeling of a beam structure with piezoelectric materials: introduction to SSD techniques

International audiencePurpose– To provide a model that allows testing and understanding special damping techniques.Design/methodology/approach– The finite element modeling takes into account the piezoelectric coupling. It is used with a non linear electrical circuit. The approach leads to an accurate tool to observe the behavior of the non linear damping techniques such as synchronized switch damping.Findings– The model has been validated by comparison with Ansys® but the CPU time required for the model is around one hundred times shorter.Research limitations/implications– The proposed model is 1D and the assumptions to use it are not verified for all structures.Practical implications– The authors obtain a useful tool for the design of damping structures (for example to find the best localisation of the piezoelectric patches and to test electrical circuits).Originality/value– The model is used for the design and conception of damping as well as for harvesting structures