Leakage Inductance Analysis

Category: Electromagnetic Field Analysis | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for leakage inductance theory - technical simulation diagram
Leakage Inductance Analysis

Leakage Inductance: Theoretical Foundations

Overview

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Teacher! Today's topic is leakage inductance analysis, right? What is it all about?


๐ŸŽ“

Leakage flux due to imperfect magnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings. Calculation of coupling coefficient. Leakage inductance affects ZVS operation of resonant converters.



๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Wow, the topic of imperfect coupling between primary and secondary windings sounds super interesting! Tell me more.


Governing Equations




$$ L_{lk} = \frac{\mu_0 N^2}{h}\left(\frac{d_1+d_2}{3}+d_{12}\right) $$
$$ k = \frac{M}{\sqrt{L_1 L_2}} $$



๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

I see. So if we can solve for the leakage inductance, we're basically good to go?


Discretization Methods

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

How do we actually solve these equations on a computer?


๐ŸŽ“

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


๐ŸŽ“

We transform to 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 impacts the trade-off between solution accuracy and computational cost.




Matrix Solution Algorithms

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

What exactly are matrix solution algorithms?


๐ŸŽ“

We solve the simultaneous 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(nยฒ)Small to Medium Scale
Cholesky DecompositionDirect Method (Symmetric Positive Definite)O(nยฒ)Small to Medium Scale
PCG MethodIterative MethodO(n)Large Scale
GMRES MethodIterative MethodO(nยทm)Large Scale / Non-symmetric
AMG PreconditionerPreprocessingO(n)Very Large Scale
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

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


Implementation in Commercial Tools

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

So, what software can we use to do leakage inductance analysis?


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

Vendor Lineage and Product Integration History

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Are the origins of each software quite dramatic?



JMAG-Designer

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

What exactly is JMAG?


๐ŸŽ“

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

Current affiliation: JSOL Corporation



Ansys Maxwell

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Tell me about "Ansys Maxwell"!


๐ŸŽ“

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

Current affiliation: Ansys Inc.


๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

After hearing this, I finally understand why the Japanese one is important!



COMSOL Multiphysics

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Tell me about "COMSOL Multiphysics"!


๐ŸŽ“

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

Current affiliation: COMSOL AB



File Formats and Interoperability

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

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 issues with surface data compatibility. Transition to STEP is progressing.
JT.jtLightweight 3DLightweight 3D format developed by Siemens. Standardized as ISO 14306.
๐ŸŽ“

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. In particular, high-order elements and special elements (cohesive elements, user-defined elements, etc.) often cannot be directly converted between solvers.


๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

I see... Formats seem simple at first glance, but they're actually quite deep, aren't they?


Practical Considerations

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Are there any "field wisdom" type things that aren't in textbooks?


๐ŸŽ“

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


๐ŸŽ“
  • 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.


๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Wow, leakage inductance analysis is really deep... But thanks to your explanation, I've been able to organize my thoughts a lot!


๐ŸŽ“

Yeah, you're doing great! Actually getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.


Coffee Break Chit-Chat

Is Leakage Flux a "Defect" or a "Design Freedom"?

Leakage inductance in transformers is

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