Three dimensional magnetostatic finite elements for gaps and iron shells using magnetic scalar potentials

This paper deals with magnetostatic element formulations for modelling narrow gaps in an iron core, as well as thin iron shells. These special elements have been developed for gaps in transformers or motors. Nodal elements are used with magnetic scalar potentials as state variable. The principle and the formulations of the new finite elements are described. Three numerical examples are then presented so as to validate and verify the usefulness of the special elements in terms of reduction of number of unknowns and CPU time.>