Effect of continuity of potential on accuracy in magnetic field analysis using nonconforming mesh

Methods of analyzing magnetic fields in rotating machines using nonconforming meshes, in which only an interpolation technique is applied, are investigated. The effect of the continuity of potentials at nonconforming surfaces on accuracy is examined, it is shown that although the flux distribution is not affected by the discontinuity of the potential, the force and torque are fairly affected by the discontinuity. Therefore, it is shown that a continuous method, or a discontinuous method using a fine mesh should be used especially in force and torque calculation. An analysis of an induction motor is also carried out using a nonconforming mesh.