Persistent Current Mode Analysis

Category: 電磁場解析 | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for persistent current mode theory - technical simulation diagram
永久電流モード解析

Theory and Physics

Overview

🧑‍🎓

Professor! Today's topic is about persistent current mode analysis, right? What is it?


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An operating mode where current persists for a long time in a superconducting loop with near-zero resistance. Evaluation of current decay due to joint resistance. Ensures stable operation of MRI main magnets.




Governing Equations




$$ \frac{dI}{dt} = -\frac{R_{joint}}{L}I $$
$$ \tau = L/R_{joint} $$




Discretization Methods

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How do you actually solve this equation on a computer?


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We use spatial discretization via the Finite Element Method (FEM). We assemble the element stiffness matrices and construct the global stiffness equation.


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We transform it into the weak form (variational form) and use formulation via Galerkin's method using test functions and shape functions. The choice of element type (low-order elements vs. high-order elements, full integration vs. reduced integration) directly affects the trade-off between solution accuracy and computational cost.




Matrix Solution Algorithms

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What exactly are matrix solution algorithms?


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We solve the system of equations using direct methods (LU decomposition, Cholesky decomposition) or iterative methods (CG method, GMRES method). For large-scale problems, preconditioned iterative methods are effective.



SolverClassificationMemory UsageApplicable Scale
LU decompositionDirect MethodO(n²)Small to Medium Scale
Cholesky decompositionDirect Method (Symmetric Positive Definite)O(n²)Small to Medium Scale
PCG MethodIterative MethodO(n)Large Scale
GMRES methodIterative MethodO(n·m)Large Scale / Non-symmetric
AMG PreconditionerPreprocessingO(n)Very Large Scale
🧑‍🎓

So, if you cut corners on the finite element method part, you'll pay for it later. I'll keep that in mind!


Implementation in Commercial Tools

🧑‍🎓

So, what software can be used to perform persistent current mode analysis?


Tool NameDeveloper/Current StatusMain File Format
COMSOL MultiphysicsCOMSOL AB.mph
Ansys MaxwellAnsys Inc..aedt, .maxwell
JMAG-DesignerJSOL Corporation.jmag, .jproj

Vendor Lineage and Product Integration History

🧑‍🎓

Is the origin story of each software quite dramatic?



COMSOL Multiphysics

🧑‍🎓

Tell me about "COMSOL Multiphysics"!


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Founded in Sweden in 1986. Started as FEMLAB with MATLAB integration, later renamed to COMSOL. Strong in multiphysics.

Current Affiliation: COMSOL AB



Ansys Maxwell

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Tell me about "Ansys Maxwell"!


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Ansoft Maxwell. Low-frequency electromagnetic field analysis. Integrated into Ansys in 2008.

Current Affiliation: Ansys Inc.




JMAG-Designer

🧑‍🎓

What exactly is JMAG?


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Developed by Japan's JSOL Corporation. An electromagnetic field analysis tool specialized for electrical equipment design.

Current Affiliation: JSOL Corporation


🧑‍🎓

Ah, I see! So that's how it was established in Sweden in 1986.


File Formats and Interoperability

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Are there any points to note when transferring data between different software?


FormatExtensionTypeOverview
STEP.stp/.stepNeutral CAD3D CAD data exchange format compliant with ISO 10303. Supports geometry + PMI.
IGES.igs/.igesNeutral CADEarly CAD data exchange standard. Has compatibility issues with surface data. Transition to STEP is progressing.
VTK.vtk/.vtuVisualizationVisualization Toolkit format. Used by ParaView, etc.
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When converting models between different solvers, attention must be paid to the correspondence of element types, compatibility of material models, and differences in the representation of loads and boundary conditions. Particularly, high-order elements and special elements (cohesive elements, user-defined elements, etc.) often cannot be directly converted between solvers.


🧑‍🎓

I see... Formats seem simple at first glance, but they're actually quite deep.


Practical Considerations

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Are there any "field wisdom" things not found in textbooks?


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Verifying mesh convergence, validating the appropriateness of boundary conditions, and performing sensitivity analysis of material parameters are extremely important.


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  • Mesh Dependency Verification: Confirm convergence with at least 3 levels of mesh density.
  • Boundary Condition Validity: Setting physically meaningful constraint conditions.
  • Result Verification: Comparison with theoretical solutions, experimental data, and known benchmark problems.



🎓

Yeah, you're on the right track! Actually getting hands-on is the best way to learn. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.


Coffee Break Yomoyama Talk

Persistent Current Mode – The Superconducting Property of "Magnetic Field Persisting Even After Switching Off"

The "Persistent Current Mode (PCM)," where the magnetic field persists even after disconnecting a superconducting magnet from an external power source, is one of the most impressive characteristics of superconductivity. By short-circuiting both ends of the coil with a "Persistent Current Switch (PCS)" and cutting off the external power, current flows perpetually within the superconducting loop. In reality, current decays at a rate of a few ppm per hour due to "flux creep," but MRI magnets can maintain a stable magnetic field for several years or more. PCM is adopted in MRI and NMR spectrometers, contributing to the accuracy of medical diagnosis and scientific measurement with magnetic field stability that surpasses that of external power supplies.

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