3D EDDY-CURRENT COMPUTATION IN THE TRANSVERSE FLUX INDUCTION-HEATING EQUIPMENT

This paper describes a 3D computation of transverse flux inductors use d for heating strip and thin slabs. The adopted mathematical model con sists of a differential equation system for the steady-state eddy curr ent problem in a configuration comprising a magnetic vector potential and a scalar potential and a Fourier's thermal conduction equation for moved media. The finite element method is applied in conjunction with the Galerkin method. The simplifications and boundary conditions requ ired for an efficient solution are discussed. The discretization of th e numerical model is set up with the aid of macroelements and includes upwards of 100 000 nodes for simple builds. The suitability of the nu merical method developed for optimum design of transverse flux inducto rs is demonstrated by some results.