Curvilinear Finite Elements for Two-Dimensional Saturable Magnetic Fields

A family of finite elements with curved sides is described. Both flux density an: permeability may vary in a complex manner within each element. These elements are well suited t. the Newton-Raphson iteration process, yielding asymptotically quadratic convergence. They are compatible with the well known simple triangular element. Computational trials show the new elements to be capable of improved accuracy for a given computing time, and to have much greater geometric flexibility than triangles.