Electromagnetic-Thermal Coupling — Joule Heating & Induction
Joule heating analysis, skin effect losses as heat source, coupled EM-thermal FEM, temperature-dependent resistivity, and induction hardening simulation.
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Quick Explainer
How are electromagnetic and thermal fields coupled in Joule heating problems?
The coupling is primarily one-way from EM to thermal: J^2/sigma losses generate heat, which raises temperature, which changes resistivity. For weak coupling, solve EM at reference temperature, compute losses, run thermal analysis, then optionally iterate. For strong coupling (electric arcs, plasma), simultaneous solution is needed.
What makes induction heating simulation particularly challenging?
Induction heating couples three physics: electromagnetic (eddy currents), thermal (heating from losses), and metallurgical (phase transformations as the part heats). The skin depth changes as temperature raises resistivity, shifting the power distribution. Hardening applications require fully coupled EM-thermal-metallurgical simulation with temperature-dependent material models.