Steinmetz equation

Category: 電磁場解析 | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for steinmetz equation theory - technical simulation diagram
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Theory and Physics

Overview

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Teacher! Today's topic is about the Steinmetz equation, right? What is it?


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An empirical formula expressing the iron loss of magnetic materials in terms of frequency and magnetic flux density. It handles non-sinusoidal waveforms via the improved Generalized Steinmetz Equation (iGSE).



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Wow, the topic of iron loss in magnetic materials and frequency is super interesting! Please tell me more.


Governing Equations




$$ P_v = k f^\alpha B_m^\beta $$
$$ P_v = k_i (\Delta B)^{\beta-\alpha} \left(\frac{dB}{dt}\right)^\alpha $$



🧑‍🎓

Your explanation is easy to understand! The haze around the Steinmetz equation has cleared up.


Discretization Method

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How do you actually solve this equation on a computer?


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


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We transform it into the weak form (variational form) and use formulation by 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 Algorithm

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What exactly do you mean by matrix solution algorithm?


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


Implementation in Commercial Tools

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So, what software can be used to work with the Steinmetz equation?


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

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Is the background of each software quite dramatic?



JMAG-Designer

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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



Ansys Maxwell

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Tell me about "Ansys Maxwell"!


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

Current Affiliation: Ansys Inc.


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



COMSOL Multiphysics

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Tell me about "COMSOL Multiphysics"!


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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

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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 issues with surface data compatibility. Transition to STEP is progressing.
JT.jtLightweight 3DLightweight 3D format developed by Siemens. Standardized as ISO 14306.
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When converting models between different solvers, attention is needed to the correspondence of element types, compatibility of material models, and differences in the representation of loads and boundary conditions. Particularly, high-order elements or 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 profound, aren't they?


Practical Considerations

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Are there any "field wisdom" things that aren't 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.


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the Steinmetz equation is really profound... But thanks to your explanation, I've been able to organize my thoughts a lot!


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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 Trivia

Steinmetz—The Immigrant Engineer Who Challenged Edis

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