Course detail

Computer Modeling of Electrical Devices and Components

FEKT-BPC-MEMAcad. year: 2020/2021

The central idea of the course is to help the students broaden the basic knowledge of electrical engineering, theory of the electromagnetic field, and numerical modelling with selected numerical methods. The instruction comprises the finite element method and the possibilities of its application in solving diverse problems related to the electromagnetic field. The method is introduced together with application examples of the analysis of the design of devices and components; this analysis is performed via interpreting electromagnetic fields, mainly their static, stationary, quasi-stationary, and quasi-static forms. In the course, the process of instruction is markedly supported by programs embedded within the ANSYS system (Multiphysic, Workbench, Maxwell). The teaching procedures are directed towards mastering ANSYS as a tool; the programming methods are explained and practiced, and strong points of the system are emphasized to simplify the programming. The main philosophy of ANSYS is demonstrated, with the relationship to other CAD/CAE/CAM of the SOLIDWORKS parametric system described and practiced in exercises. Thus, the course integrates the discussed aspects with the knowledge and skills acquired by the students within the BTMP subject. The practical computer training exercises have been set up to facilitate the solution of selected problems from a wide sector of electrical engineering and electronics; these exercises are performed in the ANSYS environment as a follow-up to the SOLIDWORKS 3D parametric modeler.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The students will acquire deeper knowledge and skills within the numerical modelling of problems in electrical engineering and related interdisciplinary provinces; this knowledge acquisition process is oriented towards computer prototyping. Further, the students will gain command of the methods used for the modelling of electrical problems, and they will use their skills to set up relevant 3D models. In the above-described context, the students will be able to perform the following tasks:
- reveal and discriminate the advantages of parametric and non-parametric modelling
- use a suitable program to propose, design and revise models of simple problems; formulate these problems based on reduced Maxwell’s equations
- interpret the physical and technical parameters of the model; categorize the classification of the model properties; set up and revise coupled problems.
The above-defined skills find wide application in industry and commerce; with respect to teaching purposes, they will enable the students to carry out more intensive theoretical tasks, perform analyses, and create complex models within the follow-up advanced course of computer modelling (MMEM).

Prerequisites

Students wishing to enroll in the course should be able to:
- apply the knowledge acquired in the BEL1 and BEL2 courses to define the basic numerical models (static, quasi-static) by means of concentric parameters
- describe the physical model of the electrostatic and magnetostatic problems discussed in physics seminars
- operate a computer at a basic skills level
- use the MATLAB environment
- set up simple algorithms
- understand the mathematical notation of partial differential equations (apply the mathematical methods of difference and differential calculus)

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The teaching methods depend on the type of instruction and are defined within article 7 of the BUT Study and Examination Regulations.
The instruction process comprises theoretical definition of the problem and its practicing by means of simple examples (exercises). Both these components are included to facilitate the mastering of the numerical modelling and ANSYS system tools, to enable the students to correctly choose the mathematical model, and to transform this model into a numerical one. In this context, the students are also led to handle boundary problems and to perform the analysis and interpretation of the model in an effective and correct way.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

During each teaching block, the students are guided to prepare, analyze, set up, put to operation, and evaluate a numerical model. These activities are supported but not assessed in each session. Each student is led to independently select and explain the use of ANSYS system tools; this procedure is conducted in such a manner that, before the final teaching block, the student is able to prepare and assess the relevant data to build the numerical model. At the following stage, the student will analyze and interpret the results. The classification range applicable to this activity is 0 – 40 points.
Another grading component consists in the final credit test, in which a student can gain 0 – 60 points. The test is designed for the students to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities required to:
- define and describe the assigned problem at a good quality,
- identify the mathematical model and perform its numerical application in the ANSYS system,
- correctly set the boundary and initial conditions,
- assess the accuracy of the obtained solution based on analysis of the results,
- improve the model,
- evaluate the availability of the instruments and explain possible differences in the selected approaches to the numerical model design.

Course curriculum

Lectures:
1. Introduction to modelling and numerical methods. The finite element method (FEM). Elementary problems (static, stationary, quasi-stationary, non-stationary).
2. Boundary conditions and their effect on the quality of the model. Errors. Physical interpretation of the model.
3. Elementary problems: static, stationary, quasi-stationary, non-stationary. The mathematical model and its solution. Stability of the solution. Interpretation of the results.
4. Electrostatic models: the tasks, examples, boundary conditions, sphere of application.
5. Magnetostatic models: the tasks, examples, boundary conditions, sphere of application.
6. Thermal problems: the mathematical model, boundary conditions, application, and effects of conduction, convection and radiation.
7. Parametric models: the tools, link to the FEM, role of the SOLIDWORKS environment.
8. Principles of parametric modelling, creation of models for the FEM analysis.
9. Coupled and conditioned problems: description, examples in electrical engineering.
10. Physical meaning and interpretation of the results; evaluation and imaging of the results; interpretation of more complex values.
11. Non-stationary problems in electrical engineering. Connection between the model and the component properties. Accuracy of the analyzed results

Computer exercises:
1. Introduction. The ANSYS Workbench environment. The finite element method (FEM). Basic analyses of the FEM in the ANSYS system. The Workbench, Maxwell, and Multiphysics modules.
2. Elementary two-dimensional, 2D rotational symmetrical, and three-dimensional problems in electrical engineering. The static, harmonic, and transient analyses.
3. Electrostatic 2D problem: the description, setting-up, analysis, and interpretation of the results.
4. Magnetostatic 2D problem coupled to the circuit elements: the description, setting-up, analysis, interpretation of the results. Discussion of the numerical errors: the accuracy and correction of the solution, the tools.
5. Description, types, and scope of coupled and conditioned problems. Practising the exemplary solution. Assignment of student projects.
6. Description, demonstration, and practising of geometrically and mathematically more complex problems in electrical engineering. Practical training: the analysis and tools used in the ANSYS system.
7. Categorization and division of the general problem of interpretation and evaluation of the results. Exercises. Demonstration of tools in the ANSYS system.
8. Introduction to SOLIDWORKS: the design of a simple 3D geometry, export of the model to ANSYS. Setting up the FEM model. Formation of simple 2D and 3D models in SOLIDWORKS.
9. Creation of more complex 2D and 3D models in a parametric modeler. Export of the FEM numerical model. Setting up the 3D problem, analysis of the FEM model coupled to the parametric modelling system, and evaluation of the results.
10. Submission of the student projects. Discussion. Defense of the approaches and selected solution methods. Review of the results and accuracy of the analysis.
11. Credit test. Submission of the student projects. Final comments.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to complement the physics and mathematics-based knowledge of the field at the level of applications, namely selected numerical models of the magnetic field and various problems in electrical engineering. The course has been designed to meet the following objectives:
- develop and practice the knowledge of finite numerical methods
- propose and analyze different approaches to the experimental and numerical modelling of problems related to electrical engineering and electromagnetic fields
- introduce to the students and explain in detail the effectiveness of ANSYS and other programs for the numerical modelling and analysis of simplified and coupled problems formulated by means of selected partial differential equations applicable in electrical engineering.
These objectives are included to enable the students to independently set up, analyze and interpret a numerical model, to assess the validity of the achieved results in a comprehensive manner, and to oppose the arguments used by the submitter in the methods, interpretations, and applications of the ANSYS system or its components. The students are instructed to select conceptually correct procedures for the assigned problem, to anticipate the difficulties that may appear during the solution process, and to estimate the expected numerical error of the obtained analysis. Concrete examples are used to show how to set up or correct a model and check the correctness of the procedure, solution of the model, and interpretation of the results.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Both components of instruction, namely the lecture and the tutorials, are compulsory. If the absences have been duly communicated to the teacher, any missed lessons can be substituted, usually during the credit week.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

KROUTILOVÁ, E.; STEINBAUER, M.; HADINEC, M.; FIALA, P.; BARTUŠEK, K. Numerické modelování nehomogenity v materiálech. ElectroScope - http://www.electroscope.zcu. cz, 2007, roč. 2007, č. 4, s. 1 ( s.)ISSN: 1802- 4564. (CS)
Dědek L., Dědková J.: Elektromagnetismus. Skripta, VUTIUM, Brno 2000 (CS)
Fiala P., Bachorec T., Kříž T.: Počítačové modelování elektrotechnických zařízení a komponentů, (BMEM), počítačová cvičení, IET/UTEE FEKT v Brně (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-AUD Bachelor's

    specialization AUDB-TECH , any year of study, winter semester, elective

  • Programme BPC-AMT Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-EKT Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-IBE Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-MET Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-SEE Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BKC-SEE Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-TLI Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme BKC-TLI Bachelor's, any year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Exercise in computer lab

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer