Advances in Finite Element Techniques for Calculating Cable Resistances and Inductances

In theory, finite element procedures can be applied to arbitrary conductor configurations in order to determine their frequency dependent resistances and inductances to an arbitrarily high degree of accuracy. In practice, limitations are imposed by the shapes of the finite elements used and by the accuracy of the formulae invoked to estimate their inductances. This paper reviews the concepts underlying extant finite element procedures, proposes a more efficient set of element shapes than are used in extant procedures and develops the inductance formulae necessary to implement these shapes. This results in a considerably more capable algorithm.