Abstract

A novel 2D/1D method for the time harmonic eddy current problem in thin steel sheets is presented. Following the ideas of the multi-scale finite element method, the solution component parallel to the sheet thickness is expanded into polynomial micro-shape functions. This allows for the formulation of a single two dimensional problem with a lower number of degrees of freedom compared to 2D/1D methods given in classical literature. Another advantage is the possibility to include the air gap between steel sheets without the need for modifications in the problem formulation. A 2D/1D formulation is presented for both the magnetic vector potential and the current vector potential and tested via numerical examples.