QuickField 6.6 User's Guide
QuickField 6.6 User's Guide
QuickField 6.6 User's Guide
Contents
Index 403
11
What Is QuickField?
Welcome to QuickField Finite Elements Analysis System.
QuickField is a PC-oriented interactive environment for
electromagnetic, thermal and stress analysis. Standard
analysis types include:
• Electrostatics.
• DC and AC conduction analysis.
• Linear and nonlinear DC and transient magnetics.
• AC magnetics (involving eddy current analysis).
• Linear and nonlinear, steady state and transient heat
transfer and diffusion.
• Linear stress analysis.
• Coupled problems.
During a 15-minute session, you can describe the problem
(geometry, material properties, sources and other conditions),
obtain solution with high accuracy and analyze field details
looking through full color picture. With QuickField,
complicated field problems can be solved on your PC instead
of large mainframes or workstations.
12 About This Manual
Conventions
In this manual we use SMALL CAPITAL LETTERS to specify the
names of keys on your keyboard. For example, ENTER, ESC, or
ALT. Four arrows on the keyboard, collectively named the
DIRECTION keys, are named for the direction the key points:
UP ARROW, DOWN ARROW, RIGHT ARROW, and LEFT ARROW.
A plus sign (+) between key names means to hold down the
first key while you press the second key. A comma (,) between
key names means to press the keys one after the other.
Bold type is used for QuickField menu and dialog options.
14
CHAPTER 1
Getting Started
QuickField Installation
QuickField can be supplied on a CD, or packed in ZIP-archive.
Depending on the format, do the following:
• Professional QuickField in a ZIP-archive - unpack the
archive preserving the directory structure and run
Autorun.exe from the root of the unpacked directory tree.
QuickField Installation 15
Autorun Applet
On the left side of the Autorun screen you can see several
menu topics organized in a scrollable tree. When you highlight
a topic, additional topic-related information appears in the
bottom pane. To execute the command associated with this
topic double-click it or click Run in the right-bottom corner
of the window.
Menu topics allow you to:
• See the complete QuickField User's Guide in Adobe PDF
format (Read User’s Guide command);
• Learn QuickField interactively (Virtual classroom
command);
• Find technical support and sales contact information
(Contact Us);
• Install QuickField (Install QuickField command group).
With the Student version of QuickField the last command
starts QuickField installer.
With QuickField Professional the installation steps depend on
the type of license you purchased. For single-user license,
choose the Single-user QuickField option below.
If your QuickField is licensed for multiple users, install the
workstation component (Network: workstation option) on
16 Chapter 1 Getting Started
QuickField options. Every time you change the key or the set
of options you must enter the new password to activate it.
If you upgrade QuickField without changing the subset of
options, you can use the same password with the upgraded
version of QuickField. To make it possible you need to choose
Edit->Password from QuickField menu.
In its first run QuickField should not be used as automation
server (e.g. from LabelMover or ActiveField samples). In such
case its behavior would be unpredictable since there would be
no way to enter the password. To avoid this, we recommend
starting QuickField in interactive mode immediately after the
installation.
Application-Wide Options
QuickField Options panel may be displayed using the
command Tools>Options… in the main menu. Left pane of
20 Chapter 1 Getting Started
the window shows the list of the options, and the pages for
viewing/editing the chosen option are shown in the right pane.
Pressing the OK button saves the options. Options are stored
separately for each user of the computer.
CHAPTER 2
Introductory Guide
Problem Window
The problem window is normally docked on the left side of
the main QuickField window. When several problems are
open at once, their windows can be docked side by side, or in
a column, or they can be tabbed in a single pane, leaving
maximum space for graphics. This window can also be left
floating on top of the other windows.
To move the problem window, simply drag it to the new
position holding by the window title. While dragging, the
possible docking positions are shown by the diamond shaped
arrows. When you move the pointer over the diamonds,
QuickField shows the corresponding rectangle where the
window can be docked if you release the mouse button.
28 Chapter 2 Introductory Guide
Document Windows
QuickField document windows, such as the model editor, the
field plot, or the electric circuit window, occupy the main are
of the QuickField workspace; they cannot be docked. For fast
switching between these windows, there is a tab bar near the
bottom edge of the main window, similar to the Windows task
bar.
A document window can be minimized to an icon, or
maximized, or arranged with its regular size and position,
which you can change by dragging any corner or edge of the
window. This is useful to display several document windows
at once. QuickField can also tile all document windows
automatically, when you choose Tile Vertically or Tile
Horizontally in the Window menu.
Some document windows can be split into two or four panes.
To split the window, drag the small gray rectangle on top of
the vertical scrollbar or on the left of the horizontal scrollbar.
You can also choose Split in the Window menu. To switch
between panes, click it with the mouse or use F6.
To restore the single view, double-click the splitter or drag it
to the window border until it disappears.
Tool Windows
Finally, the tool windows–the field calculator, color legend,
circuit elements list, etc. –are usually docked within the
corresponding document window. Like the problem window,
you can drag and dock tools within their parent’s boundaries.
Overview of Analysis Capabilities 29
Properties Window
The Properties window can be opened using the Properties
command in the View menu. This window is docked to the
problem window (as shown in the picture) by default or can
be switched to floating. The Properties window displays
different editing fields relevant to the current object (the
problem, geometry model, etc.) Some properties are for
information only (shown in grey), the others can be changed
by typing in the new value or selecting from the dropdown list.
The changed property value comes into effect immediately.
Magnetostatic Analysis
Magnetic analysis is used to design or analyze variety of
devices such as solenoids, electric motors, magnetic shields,
permanent magnets, magnetic disk drives, and so forth.
Generally, the quantities of interest in magnetostatic analysis
are magnetic flux density, field intensity, forces, torques,
inductance, and flux linkage.
QuickField can perform linear and nonlinear magnetostatic
analysis for 2-D and axisymmetric models. The program is
30 Chapter 2 Introductory Guide
AC Magnetic Analysis
AC magnetic analysis is used to analyze magnetic field caused
by alternating currents and, vise versa, electric currents
induced by alternating magnetic field (eddy currents). This
kind of analysis is useful with different inductor devices,
solenoids, electric motors, and so forth. Generally the
quantities of interest in AC magnetic analysis are electric
current (and its source and induced component), voltage,
generated Joule heat, magnetic flux density, field intensity,
forces, torques, impedance and inductance. The AC magnetic
field simulation can be coupled with electric circuit. The
circuit can contain arbitrarily connected resistors, capacitors,
inductances, and solid conductors located in the magnetic field
region.
A special type of AC magnetic is nonlinear analysis. It allows
estimating with certain precision the behavior of a system with
ferromagnets, which otherwise would require much lengthier
transient analysis.
Following options are available for AC magnetic analysis:
Material properties: air, orthotropic materials with constant
permeability or isotropic ferromagnets, current carrying
conductors with known current or voltage.
The electrical conductivity of material can depend on
temperature. The dependence of conductivity on temperature
is given in tabular form using the Curve Editor. The
temperature value can be defined for each block by a number
or a formula of coordinates. In addition, the temperature field
34 Chapter 2 Introductory Guide
Electrostatic Analysis
Electrostatic analysis is used to design or analyze variety of
capacitive systems such as fuses, transmission lines and so
Overview of Analysis Capabilities 35
DC Conduction Analysis
DC conduction analysis is used to analyze variety of
conductive systems. Generally, the quantities of interest in DC
conduction analysis are voltages, current densities, electric
power losses (Joule heat).
QuickField can perform linear DC conduction analysis for
two-dimensional, axisymmetric and three-dimensional
models. The program is based on Poisson's equation.
Following options are available for DC conduction analysis:
Material properties: orthotropic materials with constant
conductivity.
The electrical conductivity of material can depend on
temperature. The dependence of conductivity on temperature
is given in tabular form using the Curve Editor. The
temperature value can be defined for each block by a number
or a formula of coordinates.
Loading sources: voltages, electric current density.
Boundary conditions: prescribed potential values (voltages),
prescribed values for normal derivatives (surface current
densities), and prescribed constraints for constant potential
boundaries.
Postprocessing results: voltages, current densities, electric
fields, electric current through a surface, and power losses.
Overview of Analysis Capabilities 37
AC Conduction Analysis
AC conduction analysis is used to analyze electric field caused
by alternating currents and voltages in imperfect dielectric
media. This kind of analysis is mostly used with complex
insulator systems and capacitors. Generally, the quantities of
interest are dielectric losses, voltage, electric field
components, forces, and torques.
The following options are available for AC conduction
analysis:
Material properties: air, orthotropic materials with constant
electric conductivity and permittivity.
Boundary conditions: prescribed voltage values (Dirichlet
condition), prescribed values for boundary current density
(Neumann condition), constant potential constraint for
describing conductors in surrounding dielectric media.
Postprocessing results: voltage, electric field, current
density, power and losses, forces, and torques.
38 Chapter 2 Introductory Guide
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis plays an important role in design of many
different mechanical and electrical systems. Generally the
quantities of interest in thermal analysis are temperature
distribution, thermal gradients, and heat losses. Transient
analysis allows you to simulate transition of heat distribution
between two heating states of a system.
QuickField can perform linear and nonlinear thermal analysis
for two-dimensional and axisymmetric models; and linear
steady-state thermal analysis for three-dimensional models.
The program is based on heat conduction equation with
convection and radiation boundary conditions. Following
options are available for thermal analysis:
40 Chapter 2 Introductory Guide
Stress Analysis
Stress analysis plays an important role in design of many
different mechanical and electrical components. Generally,
the quantities of interest in stress analysis are displacements,
strains and different components of stresses.
QuickField can perform linear stress analysis for 2-D plane
stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric models. The program is
based on Navier equations of elasticity. Following options are
available for stress analysis:
Material properties: isotropic and orthotropic materials.
Loading sources: concentrated loads, body forces, pressure,
thermal strains, and imported electric or magnetic forces from
electric or magnetic analysis.
Boundary conditions: prescribed displacements, elastic
spring supports.
Postprocessing results: displacements, stress components,
principal stresses, von Mises stress, Tresca, Mohr-Coulomb,
Drucker-Prager, and Hill criteria.
42
CHAPTER 3
Problem Description
Editing Problems
• To create a new, empty problem description, click New in
the File menu and then select QuickField problem in the
list that appears. Then enter the name and path of the new
problem. You can also create a new problem as a copy of
another problem being currently opened. In that case new
problem inherits all the properties of the sample one and the
referenced model and data documents are copied if
necessary.
• To open an existing document, click Open in the File menu,
or use drag and drop features of Windows.
Open problem documents are shown in a special view to the
left of main QuickField window. In problem view, you can
edit problem description options and references to files. The
tree shows the names of files, which the problem currently
references.
• To change problem settings or file names, click
Problem Properties in the Problem menu or context (right
mouse button) menu.
• To start editing a referenced document (model, data,
secondary data or other problem referenced as coupling
link), double-click its name in the tree, or click Edit File in
the context menu, or click correspondent item in Edit menu.
44 Chapter 3 Problem Description
Modelled object
Plane-parallel
Model on 3D Extrusion
the screen
Axisymmetric
Files: Edit the file names of your model, data files, and circuit
file (if applicable). You may use long file names. If the name
is given without the full path, it is assumed with respect to the
problem description file. You can also click Browse to select
file in any folder on your hard disk or the network.
46 Chapter 3 Problem Description
smaller the step, the better the precision. Usually you will have
minimum of 15 to 20 steps for the whole integration period. It
may have sense to start with bigger value of this parameter and
then decrease it if the result seems to change not smoothly
enough.
𝜆
𝛼= ⎯ for problems of heat transfer,
𝜌𝐶
1
𝛼= ⎯ for magnetic problems.
𝜇𝜎
The ratio 2/4 is evaluated in all the mesh elements in the
model, and the smallest value is used as an initial time step
size.
As the solution progresses, the time steps are adjusted
automatically by an adaptive time stepping scheme.
The next time step is adjusted by
tn +1 = ktn,
where k is a scaling factor varying from 0.25 to 4.0 (with
discrete values of 0.25; 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 4.0) and dependent on
behavior of potential and its time derivative, as well as all the
time- and coordinate-dependent sources and boundary
conditions in the model.
The two factors are taken into account when choosing the
value of k:
• The norm of time derivative variation on previous time step
in all mesh nodes:
‖𝑢̇ 𝑛 − 𝑢̇ 𝑛−1 ‖
Δ𝑢̅𝑛 = 2
‖𝑢̇ 𝑛 ‖ + ‖𝑢̇ 𝑛−1 ‖
• The inverse of characteristic time:
{Δ𝑢𝑛 }𝑇 {𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−1 }
𝜔𝑛 =
{Δ𝑢𝑛 }𝑇 [𝐾𝑇𝑛 ]{Δ𝑢𝑛 }
52 Chapter 3 Problem Description
The choice of length units does not affect units for other
physical parameters, which always use standard SI units. E.g.,
the current density is always measured in A/m2 and never in
A/mm2. The only physical quantity that is measured in chosen
units of length, is the displacement vector in stress analysis
problems.
CHAPTER 4
Terminology
Geometric Model, or simply Model, is the name we use for the
collection containing all geometric shapes of a problem.
Besides being an object container, the model helps to link the
contained objects with related material properties, field
sources, and boundary conditions.
Vertex, edge and block are three basic types of geometric
objects contained by QuickField models.
Each Vertex represents a point. Point coordinates could be
either explicitly specified by user or automatically calculated
by QuickField at the intersection of two edges. For each vertex
you can define its mesh spacing value and its label. The mesh
spacing value defines the approximate distance between mesh
Terminology 57
Geometry Description
Model development consists of three stages:
• Geometry description and manipulation;
• Definition of properties, field sources and boundary
conditions;
• Mesh generation.
There are two options available for creating the finite element
mesh for your model:
• Fully automated method that generates a smooth mesh with
a density based on region's dimensions and sizes of
geometrical details. This option does not require any
information from the user.
• The second method allows you to choose the mesh density.
In this case you need to define the spacing values at few
vertices of your choice. Spacing values for other vertices
are calculated automatically to make the mesh distribution
smooth.
Creating Edges
To create new edges:
• Choose Insert Mode in the Edit menu, or click the Insert
Vertices/Edges toolbar button or context menu item, or
press INSERT, to switch model view into insert mode.
• Specify the angle of the new edge in the New Edge Angle
box on the toolbar. Use one of the predefined angles
provided in the list, or type another value in the edit box. To
create a linear segment, specify zero angle.
• Left-drag the mouse from the starting point of the edge to
its end, or use SHIFT+DIRECTION keys. The ends of the
created edge can coincide with the existing model vertices,
otherwise QuickField automatically creates the new vertex
(vertices) as needed, so that QuickField, adding the new
edge to the model, always connects two existing model
vertices together. Switch on the snap to grid option
60 Chapter 4 Model Geometry Definition
Pic.1 Pic.2
• Select the new edge dragging the left mouse button from
(-0.25, 3.25) to (4.25, 2.75).
• Choose Duplicate Selection from the Edit menu, set
displacement ordinate to -0.5, set Copies to 12, and click
OK. You will get the model shown in Pic.3.
• Select the right ends of horizontal edges dragging the left
mouse button from (3.75, 3.25) to (4.25, -3.25).
Geometry Description 67
• Choose Delete Selection from the Edit menu and click Yes
to confirm deletion.
• Select the left ends of the edges dragging the left mouse
button from (-0.25, 1.75) to (0.25, -1.75) and delete them
similarly. You will get the required model (see Pic.4).
Pic.3 Pic.4
Keyboard shortcuts:
Delete DEL
When you change the drag mode the rubberband feedback and
the shape of the cursor are changed appropriately.
Drag Modes and Drop Effects
Dragging of model objects can be performed in different
modes. The drag mode used immediately before the drop
Geometry Description 71
Undo/Redo Operations
To undo the latest operation, make sure that the active window
shows the geometric model you are editing and choose Undo
<your last operation> from the Edit menu. To redo the last
operation undone, make sure that the active window shows the
geometric model you are editing and choose Redo <last
operation undone> from the Edit menu. QuickField modifies
Geometry Description 77
Undo Settings
To be able to undo and redo your editing operations
QuickField maintains internal stack of increments to
geometrical model database associated with these operations.
The topmost increment on stack corresponds to the latest
editing operation performed. QuickField also keeps track of
its current stack position that steps in top-to-bottom direction
with every Undo action and steps in the opposite direction
with every Redo action.
The depth of this internal stack defines maximum number of
operations you can undo. When the total number of editing
operations on the model exceeds the stack depth, the database
increments corresponding to the eldest operations are
destroyed to free stack positions for new increments. When
you start QuickField the stack depth has its default value of
78 Chapter 4 Model Geometry Definition
100 that allows to undo last 100 editing operations done on the
model.
Maintaining geometrical model database increments impacts
QuickField memory requirements. To make you able to
influence this impact QuickField provides the possibility to
reduce the depth of internal undo stack. You can do it at any
time setting the depth value to any integer between 0 and 100
(both limits included). Ultimately, setting the stack depth to 0
switches off storage of database increments and effectively
disables Undo/Redo feature until you make stack depth
positive.
If the new depth value exceeds the old one, only the depth of
the stack is affected. Stack contents remains unchanged
allowing you to undo and redo the operations performed
before this change. The same is true if the new depth value is
less than the old one but still exceeds the number of
accumulated stack positions.
The only case you lose some of accumulated data changing
undo stack depth is when you reduce the depth to the value
that is less than the number of accumulated stack positions. In
such case, QuickField performs the following actions:
• if the new depth value exceeds the number of positions below
current stack position, QuickField discards several topmost
database increments to make the number of remaining
increments equal to new stack depth;
• if the new depth value is less than the number of positions
below current stack position, QuickField retains only the
database increments at the current stack position and
Geometry Description 79
Meshing Technology
Having described a reasonable part of the model geometry you
can start building the finite element mesh. It is important to
remember that the mesh you build even for a highly complex
geometry can be rather non-uniform. Namely, you can set the
size of mesh elements in some of the model blocks to be much
Geometry Description 81
Zooming
To match window size with the size of the model:
• Click Zoom to Fit toolbar button.
To magnify the picture:
• Click Zoom In toolbar button.
• With left button pressed drag the mouse diagonally drawing
a rubberband rectangle around that part of the model you
want to fill the window, and release the button.
Or
• Click inside the window. QuickField will use magnification
factor 2 relative to the clicked point.
Shortcut: CTRL + emulates click at the central point of
the window.
86 Chapter 4 Model Geometry Definition
Background Grid
Grid makes creation of model vertices and edges easier and
helps to check correctness of the model. To change the grid,
choose Grid Settings in the Edit or context menu and change
the dialog fields described below according to your needs.
Tuning the View of the Model 87
data defining the model geometry, the finite element mesh and
the labels assigned to model objects. We provide the utility
allowing to import files in this format to MATLAB® in the
form compatible with Partial Differential Equations Toolbox
(PDE Toolbox).
CHAPTER 5
Problem Parameters
Description
α
α
radius-
α vector
α α α
α
α
Cartesian
Polar
96 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
The ways you define field sources for transient and non-
transient problems are slightly different. Also transient
problems allow using two types of conductors, stranded and
solid. QuickField distinguishes between these types by the
specified electric conductivity. Zero electric conductivity
value implies stranded conductor and no eddy currents in the
block. Non-zero value implies solid conductor and forces
QuickField to calculate eddy current distribution for the block.
For non-transient problems, as well as for zero electric
conductivity blocks in transient problems, you can define the
field source either by current density value or by the total
number of ampere-turns (total current). For total current,
QuickField will, depending on your choice, either consider the
blocks labeled with the label as single conductor or as several
conductors connected in series. Serially connected conductors
always carry the same current with calculated current densities
inversely proportional to their squares.
Providing total number of ampere-turns for axisymmetric
problems, you can additionally specify that current density in
your coil varies inversely to radius rather than being
distributed uniformly. It might be closer to reality if your block
Editing Label Data 99
The tab “Core loss” allows entering properties for the soft
magnetic material, which are required to calculate the core
losses in it. These parameters are optional. If no data entered,
then with default zero values the core losses will not be
calculated in the corresponding blocks. Entered parameters
are considered to be in W/m3 units.
There are two main causes for the magnetic material losses:
ohmic losses generated by eddy currents, and losses caused by
the cyclic reversal of the magnetization and proportional to the
area of the hysteresis loop. If the non-zero conductivity is
specified, then for this material eddy current losses are
Editing Label Data 107
When you associate data with a new label, the text boxes for
thermal conductivity components contain None. The word
None in these boxes or absence of the values means that
blocks with the label will be excluded from calculations. To
define the material’s properties (thereby including the blocks
into calculation), type in the required value of thermal
conductivity.
Editing Label Data 123
The ways you define data for thermal loading are different for
coupled thermo-structural problems and non-coupled
problems:
128 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
Editing Curves
Curves in QuickField represent dependencies between two
physical properties, e.g., magnetic field intensity and flux
132 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
2. Enter the argument value and press ENTER. The cursor will
move to the next cell
3. Enter the function value and press ENTER again.
To correct a table value, simply type the new value in the table
cell.
To copy table rows to the Clipboard, either select these rows
in the table or select the corresponding points on the graph and
press (CTRL+C). The copied rows could be later pasted into the
table.
To remove the point, select it in the table or on the graph and
click Delete button or press the DEL key.
You may control the scaling of the graph with use of zoom
buttons. To make the whole graph visible, click Zoom to fit
button.
Dragging a dialog window boundary allows to resize the
window. QuickField remembers the resulting window size and
position for future use.
The graph image could be copied to the Clipboard and/or
saved to a file. To do that, invoke the corresponding
commands in the context (right-click) menu of the graph.
To finish editing, click Close or press ESC. Note that
subsequent canceling of label data editing with ESC or Cancel
will discard all changes including those made during curve
editing.
134 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
Temperature Units
In QuickField Options it is possible to choose the temperature
units (Kelvins, Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees) which then will
be used everywhere in QuickField for this user for all
QuickField problems. These units will be used for display of
numerical data or plots, but they do not affect the saved data
and results, which are always stored in Kelvins.
Temperature
units
Temperature suffix
Using Formulas
Solving a problem you might need to specify a boundary
condition or a field source as a function of time or coordinates.
To do that, QuickField allows entering formula-defined field
values instead of constant numerical values. The fields
accepting formula-defined values are specified above in this
chapter. Besides that, the fields accepting formula-defined
values can be distinguished by adjacent button and by the
appropriate tooltip text.
Formula in QuickField is a mathematical expression
constructed of numbers, arithmetical operators, parentheses,
built-in constants and functions and predefined variables.
Formula syntax is typical for most algorithmic languages and
standard mathematical notation.
136 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
Edge Voltage +
labels Surface charge (normal component +
of electric induction)
Vertex Voltage +
labels Concentrated (linear) charge +
• Embedded functions
abs - absolute value
sign - sign
max - maximum
min - minimum
step - step-function by 1
impulse - impulse segment
sin - sine
cos - cosine
tan - tangent
asin - arc sine
acos - arc cosine
atan - arc tangent
atan2 - angle of the vector defined by two
arguments
exp - exponent
log - natural logarithm
sqrt - square root
pow - raising to a power
saw - saw-tooth periodic function
• Embedded constants
pi - pi
e -e
• Predefined variables
t - current time
x - Cartesian coordinate x
y - Cartesian coordinate y
r - polar coordinate r
142 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
Notes:
1. Numerical values should not contain group separators. Use
dots ('.') as decimal separators regardless of regional settings.
2. QuickField allows using both e and E to separate mantissa
and magnitude in floating point values.
3. The names of embedded functions, constants and
predefined variables are case insensitive.
4. QuickField allows enclosing of names in double quotes.
For example, sin (t) is equivalent to "sin"(t).
5. Operation precedence (highest to lowest): ^, then * and /,
then + and -. Use parentheses, if you need to change this
order.
6. QuickField allows to insert any number of spaces inside a
formula without impact, provided the inserted spaces are not
inside names.
7. Place function arguments inside parentheses after the
name of the function and separate them with commas (',').
Functions
Na Formula Comments
me
abs 𝑎𝑏𝑠(𝑣) = |𝑣| = The function value is equal to
𝑣, 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 ≥ 0 absolute value of the argument.
={
−𝑣, 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 < 0
sign 𝑣 The function value is equal to
𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛(𝑣) = =
|𝑣 | the sign of the argument.
1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 > 0
= { 0, 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 = 0
−1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 < 0
144 Chapter 5 Problem Parameters Description
Examples
The table below contains examples you can use to learn
writing your own QuickField formulas. The left column
contains mathematical formulas with the corresponding
QuickField expressions contained in its right counterpart.
You can evaluate expressions and view a plot using our
online utility
www.quickfield.com/qf_formula_plotter.htm
Mathematical notation Formula syntax
t (1-t) (2-t) t*(1-t)*(2-t)
2t2 - t - 3 2*t^2 - t - 3
e-t²/2 exp(-t^2 / 2)
log2t log(t) / log(2)
Editing Label Data 149
CHAPTER 6
What is a Circuit?
Electric circuit consists of circuit components connected with
wires. Circuit components in QuickField can be of two kinds:
1. First group includes usual electric circuitry components,
such as:
• resistors,
• capacitors,
• inductors,
152 Chapter 6 Electric Circuit Definition
• voltage sources,
• current sources.
2. Second group is specific for QuickField and represents
blocks of the geometric model. These elements are used to
provide interaction between circuit and other parts of
QuickField problem.
Notes:
• The point where you click the mouse button will be the
left pin of the new device.
• Circuit components are always aligned to a nearest grid
point. It means that component will be placed so that its pins
are at grid points.
• To insert component in the middle of some wire you can
just click on this wire. Wire segment will be split in two and
component will be inserted between them.
Label. You can change the label for the component. It is not
necessary to change this property, because you can use the
default label names. But meaningful label names improve the
model clarity and therefore recommended. Label names
should be unique within the circuit.
Value. Depending on component type, you should specify its
numeric value: resistance R, capacity C, inductance L, current
I or voltage V.
Notes:
• This way you may add either the vertical wire segment,
or horizontal wire segment, or two wire segments, vertical and
horizontal, making the right angle. To create wire of more
complex shape you should repeat this operation several times.
• Wires are always aligned to a nearest grid node. It means
that the wire will be placed so that its end points are at grid
nodes.
Editing Circuit
Moving, Copying and Resizing Circuit
Elements
To move circuit element to another place:
1. Place cursor over element you want to move. Cursor should
have the shape of four-pointed arrow.
2. Click left mouse button and drag the selected element
keeping the button pressed.
To resize a wire:
1. Place cursor over the wire end point. Cursor should have the
shape of two-pointed arrow.
2. Click mouse button and drag the end point to a new location.
You can not only resize the wire, but also move it sideway
during this operation.
To move several elements at once:
1. Select circuit elements you want to move.
2. Place cursor over one of selected elements.
3. Click mouse button and drag the selected elements.
Dragging with Attached Elements
When you drag the circuit elements, another element attached
to them could be dragged or resized to preserve connections
between elements and wires. For example, when you drag
some electric component the wires attached to it could be also
moved or resized.
158 Chapter 6 Electric Circuit Definition
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
Analyzing Solution
as:
• momentary value at a given phase 0 = –t0
• z = Re[z0ei(z – 0)] = z0 cos(z – 0);
0
shown as:
• momentary value at a given phase 0 = –t0
• z = Re[z0ei(z – 0)] = z0 cos(z – 0);
0
1
σ𝑒 = √ [(𝜎1 − 𝜎2 )2 + (𝜎2 − 𝜎3 )2 + (𝜎3 − 𝜎1 )2 ]
2
170 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
1
σ𝑖 = √ [(𝜎1 − 𝜎2 )2 + (𝜎2 − 𝜎3 )2 + (𝜎3 − 𝜎1 )2 ];
2
𝜎1 + 𝜎2 + 𝜎3
𝜎̅ =
3
• Tsai-Hill failure index for orthotropic materials:
𝜎12 𝜎1 𝜎2 𝜎22 𝜏12
2
𝐶𝑡ℎ = 2− 2 + 2+ 2
𝑋1 𝑋1 𝑋2 𝑆12
where 1, 2 and 12 are computed stresses in the material
directions and,
X1 = X1T if 1>0; X1 = X1C if 1<0
X2 = X2T if 2>0; X2 = X2C if 2<0
S12 = S12+ if 12>0; S12 = S12- if 12<0,
where X1T, X2T, X1C, X2C, S12+ and S12- are tensile,
compressive and shear allowable stresses.
Building the Field Picture on the Screen 171
With these methods, you can change the grid cell size and the
scaling factors in order to manipulate the appearance.
It is possible to combine several visualization methods in the
same picture to obtain the most expressive result.
QuickField can display several different field pictures for the
same problem. To open a new window, click New Window in
the Window menu.
Zooming
Zooming in postprocessor view is very similar to Model
Editor.
To magnify the picture:
1. Click Zoom In on the toolbar
2. Select (click and drag diagonally) the rectangular part of the
picture to fill the whole window with.
To see more of the model:
• Click Zoom Out on the toolbar; or
• Click Zoom to Fit to see the whole model.
When you change the time value QuickField adjusts both the
field pictures, XY-Plots and tables. The scaling factors will
remain unchanged.
Animation
When the analysis results depend on time (transient and time-
harmonic problems), QuickField can present animated field
pictures. To start animation, choose View / Animation or
click the corresponding toolbar button .
During the animation, two speed control buttons appear on the
toolbar allowing you to change the animation speed. The
moment of time or the phase on the toolbar changes
synchronously with the picture.
Calculator Window 179
Calculator Window
Calculator Window is a window normally docked to the left
side of the field view.
To open the calculator window, choose Calculator Window
command in the View menu or corresponded button on the
postprocessor toolbar. The calculator window also opens
when choosing Local Values, Integral Values or one of the
Wizard commands in View menu.
The calculator window is organized in several trees, which
root items correspond to several kinds of numerical data.
These are:
• Local Values shows several field quantities at a point of
interest;
• Integral calculator lists available quantities calculated by
integration over given line, surface or volume;
• Inductance Wizard opens wizard, which helps you
calculate self or mutual inductance of the coils and
conductors;
180 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
You can resize the panes. You can also hide panes if there is
not enough of window space for all of them. Twin boundary
frames indicate the existence of hidden panes in between.
The plots are displayed curves are plotted for each selected
circuit component. The correspondence between the curves
and circuit elements is shown by using the same color of a
curve and related line in the circuit element list. Curves are
redrawn when the circuit elements are selected or deselected
in the list or in the electric schema drawing.
The scale of XY-plot could be adjusted by corresponding
toolbar buttons: . Pressing the zoom-in button
(with plus sign) changes the cursor shape to a cross, after that
you can drag over the rectangle of interest.
The graph image could be printed, copied to the Clipboard,
and/or saved to a file in any of the supported raster or vector
formats. To do that, invoke the corresponding commands in
the context (right-click) menu of the graph.
The table of circuit currents and voltages could be printed,
copied to the Clipboard, and/or saved to a text file. To do that,
invoke the corresponding commands in the context (right-
click) menu of the table.
Inductance Wizard
Inductance wizard helps you to calculate self and mutual
inductance of your coils in the problem of DC or AC
magnetics.
When your model contains several coils that carry different
currents, the flux linkage with one of them can be calculated
as
Parameter Calculation Wizards 187
𝜙𝑘 = 𝐿𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑖𝑘 + ∑ 𝑀𝑛𝑘 ∙ 𝑖𝑛
𝑛
where Lkk is the self-inductance of the coil k, Mnk is the mutual
inductance between the coils n and k, ik is the current in the
coil k.
On the other hand, stored magnetic energy also derives from
current and inductance:
1
𝑊= (∑ 𝐿𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑖𝑘2 + ∑ 𝑀𝑛𝑘 ∙ 𝑖𝑛 ∙ 𝑖𝑘 )
2
𝑘 𝑛≠𝑘
Before using the inductance wizard, you have to formulate
your problem in such a way that all the currents (space, surface
or linearly distributed) but one are set to zero. There must be
no permanent magnets in your model. In that case equation
above becomes extremely simple and you can get inductance
value as:
L = /i,
where is the flux linkage with the coil excited by current i,
or
L =2W/i2,
where W is stored magnetic energy and i is the only current.
The first approach gives the self-inductance, if you get the flux
linkage and the current in the same coil and mutual inductance
if the coils are different. The second approach gives only the
self-inductance.
188 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
of the side list. You can also use the Add buttons. No matter,
which side of your coil you call Right Side and which Left
Side. If only one side of the coil is represented in the model,
drag item Symmetry to the opposite list if return wire of the
coil is symmetrical to the direct one, or leave the list empty if
return wire does not affect the electromagnetic state of your
model.
You can select and drag more than one item at once if the cross
section of your coil is split to several blocks.
Enter the Number of Turns for your coil if it is more than
one.
As result of any action on the lists or number of turns the
Flux Linkage value will change automatically being
calculated as
∫𝐿 𝐴 𝑑𝑠 ∫𝑅 𝐴 𝑑𝑠
𝜙 =𝑁∙( − ) ⎯ for planar case;
∫𝐿 𝑑𝑠 ∫𝑅 𝑑𝑠
∫𝑅 𝑟𝐴 𝑑𝑠 ∫𝐿 𝑟𝐴 𝑑𝑠 ⎯ for
𝜙 = 2π𝑁 ∙ ( − ) axisymmetric
∫𝑅 𝑑𝑠 ∫𝐿 𝑑𝑠 case;
where A is the vector magnetic potential; R and L denote the
right and the left side of the coil accordingly, r is the radius of
the point.
For planar problems flux linkage and the inductance are
calculated per one meter of axial depth no matter what length
unit you have chosen.
190 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Capacitance Wizard
Capacitance wizard helps you to calculate self and mutual
capacitance of your conductors.
When your model contains several conductors, the charge of
one of them can be calculated as:
𝑞𝑘 = 𝐶𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑈𝑘 + ∑ 𝐶𝑛𝑘 ∙ 𝑈𝑛
𝑛
Parameter Calculation Wizards 191
In the right side of the page electrodes are listed which charge
you have specified. If you have put voltage boundary
condition rather than charge on your electrodes, the only way
Parameter Calculation Wizards 193
Impedance Wizard
Impedance wizard helps you to calculate the impedance of
your conductors. It is simple and contains only one page. To
get the impedance value and its real and imaginary parts
(resistance and reactance accordingly) the impedance wizard
simply divides complex values of voltage by current:
194 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Editing Contours
The contour is a directed curved line consisting of line
segments and arcs (including the edges of the model). Some
rules are applied to the contours:
Editing Contours 195
X-Y Plots
QuickField postprocessor can display field distribution along
contours. To open new X-Y plot window, choose X-Y plot in
View menu or context (right mouse button) menu in field
picture window, in which the contour is already defined.
In X-Y plot view, you can:
• Select the set of shown quantities. Click X-Y Plot Curves
in the View or context menu.
• Zoom the plot in or out.
• View the correspondence between quantities and curves
(legend).
• Copy the picture to clipboard.
• Open new X-Y plot window for the same contour.
Calculating Integrals
QuickField calculates line, surface and volume integrals. In
plane-parallel problem, a contour defines cylindrical (in
generalized sense) surface of infinite depth, or volume of that
cylinder for volume integral. Therefore, in plane-parallel
formulation surface and volume integrals are calculated per
unit depth. In axisymmetric problem, a contour defines
toroidal surface, or toroid for volume integral.
Positive direction of a contour is counter-clockwise. The
direction of the contour is accounted as follows:
• For volume integrals the domain of integration lies to the
left of the contour.
• For surface integrals the positive normal vector points to the
right relative to the contour direction.
• If the plotted or the integrated function has different values
to the left and to the right of the contour, the right-hand
value is used.
Force, torque and electric charge integrals represent real
physical quantities only when the contour is closed. However,
these integrals are calculated for the unclosed contours too.
To calculate integrals, click Integral Values in the View
menu or context (right mouse button) menu. Or, if calculator
window is already open, double-click on the
200 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
𝑊 = ∫ (∫ 𝐻(𝐵′)𝑑𝐵′) 𝑑𝑣
0
𝑊𝑐𝑜 = ∫ (∫ 𝐵(𝐻′)𝑑𝐻′) 𝑑𝑣
𝑉
0
Complex value.
External current through a
particular surface.
Eddy current
𝐼𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑗𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑠
qfInt_Jeddies 𝑆𝑐
Complex value
Eddy current through a particular
surface.
Joule heat 1 2
𝑃 = ∫ ∙ 𝑗𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Power 𝑉 𝜎
Quadratic value.
Joule heat power in a particular
volume.
σ – electric conductivity of the
media.
Core loss 𝑘ℎ ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝐵 2
2 2
qfInt_Steinmetz 𝑃 = ∫ [ +𝑘𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝐵 ] 𝑑𝑣
𝑉 3
+𝑘𝑒 ∙ (𝑓 ∙ 𝐵)2
where B is the magnetic flux
density peak value,
and kh, kc, ke are user defined
coefficients.
Power flow
𝑃𝑆 = ∫ (𝐒 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
qfInt_EnergyFlow 𝑆
210 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Quadratic value.
Power flow through the given
surface (Poynting vector flow)
Here S – is a Pointing vector S =
[EH].
Maxwell force 𝐇(𝐧𝐁)
1
qfInt_MaxwellForce 𝐅 = ∮ (+ 𝐁(𝐧𝐇)) 𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆 – 𝐧(𝐇𝐁)
Quadratic vector.
Maxwell force acting on bodies
contained in a particular volume.
The integral is evaluated over the
boundary of the volume, and n
denotes the vector of the outward
unit normal.
Maxwell torque [𝐫 × 𝐇](𝐧𝐁)
1
qfInt_MaxwellTorque 𝐓 = ∮ ( + [𝐫 × 𝐁](𝐧𝐇)) 𝑑𝑠
2
𝑆 – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐇𝐁)
Quadratic value.
Maxwell force torque acting on
bodies contained in a particular
volume, where r is a radius vector
of the point of integration.
The torque vector is parallel to z-
axis in the planar case, and is
identically equal to zero in the
axisymmetric one. The torque is
considered relative to the origin of
the coordinate system. The torque
Calculating Integrals 211
• U — electric potential.
Name, ActiveFied
Formula and Description
constant
Electric charge
𝑞 = ∮ 𝐃 ∙ 𝐧 𝑑𝑠
qfInt_KGrad_n_ds 𝑆
According to the Gauss theorem,
total electric charge in a
particular volume can be
calculated as a flux of electric
displacement over its closed
boundary.
Mechanical force 𝐄(𝐧𝐃)
1
qfInt_MaxwellForce 𝐅 = ∮ (+ 𝐃(𝐧𝐄)) 𝑑𝑠
2
𝑆 – 𝐧(𝐄𝐃)
Total electric force acting on
bodies contained in a particular
volume. The integral is
evaluated over the volume’s
boundary.
Mechanical torque [𝐫 × 𝐄](𝐧𝐃)
1
qfInt_MaxwellTorque 𝐓 = ∮ ( + [𝐫 × 𝐃](𝐧𝐄)) 𝑑𝑠
2
𝑆 – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐄𝐃)
Total torque of electric forces
acting on bodies contained in a
particular volume.
The torque vector is parallel to z-
axis in the planar case, and is
216 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Potential difference
qfInt_Grad_t_dl ∆𝑈 = ∫ (𝐄 · 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
𝐿
The potential difference between
the ending and started points of
a contour can be calculated as a
line integral over the contour of
electric field strength.
Average surface potential 1
𝑈𝑆 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑠
qfInt_Potential_ds 𝑆 𝑆
Calculating Integrals 217
Average volume 1
potential 𝑈𝑉 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Potential_dv
Average volume strength 1
𝐄𝑎 = ∫ 𝐄𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Average electric filed strength in
a particular volume.
Average volume 1
displacement 𝐃𝑎 = ∫ 𝐃𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv Average electric displacement
vector in a particular volume.
Mean square strength 1
𝐸𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐸 2 𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad2_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Mean square 1
displacement 𝐷𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐷2 𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv
Line integral of
displacement 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐃 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
𝐿
qfInt_KGrad_t_dl
Surface integral of
strength 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
𝑆
qfInt_Grad_n_ds
218 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Average surface 1
potential 𝑈𝑆 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑠
𝑆 𝑆
qfInt_Potential_ds
Average volume 1
potential 𝑈𝑉 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Potential_dv
Average volume 1
strength 𝐄𝑎 = ∫ 𝐄𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Grad_dv
Average volume 1
current density 𝐣𝑎 = ∫ 𝐣𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv
Mean square strength 1
𝐸𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐸 2 𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad2_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Mean square current 1
density 𝑗𝑎2 = ∫ 𝑗 2 𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad2_dv
Surface integral of
strength 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
𝑆
qfInt_Grad_n_ds
220 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Complex value.
Apparent electric current
through a particular surface.
Active power produced
in a volume 𝑃𝐴 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐣𝑨 )𝑑𝑣
𝑉
qfInt_PowerActive Quadratic value
Joule heat power produced in a
particular volume.
Reactive power produced
in a volume 𝑃𝑅𝐸 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐣𝑹𝑬 )𝑑𝑣
𝑉
qfInt_PowerReactive Quadratic value
Reactive power produced in a
particular volume.
Apparent power
produced in a volume 𝑃𝐴𝑃𝑃 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐣𝑨𝑷𝑷 )𝑑𝑣
𝑉
qfInt_PowerApparent Quadratic value
Apparent power produced in a
particular volume.
Mechanical force 𝐄(𝐧𝐃)
1
qfInt_MaxwellForce 𝐅 = ∮ (+ 𝐃(𝐧𝐄)) 𝑑𝑠
2
𝑆 – 𝐧(𝐄𝐃)
Quadratic vector
Electric force acting on bodies
contained in a particular volume.
Evaluated by calculating of
Calculating Integrals 223
Surface energy
𝑊𝑆 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐃)𝑑𝑠
qfInt_GradKGrad_n_ds 𝑆
Quadratic value.
Potential difference
∆𝑈 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
qfInt_Grad_t_dl 𝐿
Complex value.
The potential difference between
the ending and started points of a
contour can be calculated as a
line integral over the contour of
electric field strength.
Average surface potential 1
𝑈𝑆 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑠
qfInt_Potential_ds 𝑆 𝑆
Complex value.
Average volume 1
potential 𝑈𝑉 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Potential_dv Complex value.
Average volume strength 1
𝐄𝑎 = ∫ 𝐄𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Complex vector.
Average electric field strength
vector in a particular volume.
Calculating Integrals 225
Average volume 1
displacement 𝐃𝑎 = ∫ 𝐃𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv Complex vector.
Average electric displacement
vector in a particular volume.
Mean square strength 1
𝐸𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐸 2 𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad2_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Quadratic value.
Mean square 1
displacement 𝐷𝑎2= ∫ 𝐷2 𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad2_dv Quadratic value.
Electric charge
𝑄𝑆 = ∫ (𝐃 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
qfInt_KGrad_n_ds 𝑆
Complex value.
The total electric charge in a
particular volume can be
calculated as a flux of electric
displacement over the volume’s
closed boundary.
Line integral of
displacement 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐃 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
𝐿
qfInt_KGrad_t_dl Complex value.
226 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Potential difference
∆𝑈 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
qfInt_Grad_t_dl 𝐿
The potential difference between
the ending and started points of a
contour can be calculated as a
line integral over the contour of
electric field strength.
Average surface potential 1
𝑈𝑆 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑠
qfInt_Potential_ds 𝑆 𝑆
Average volume 1
potential 𝑈𝑉 = ∫ 𝑈𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Potential_dv
Average volume strength 1
𝐄𝑎 = ∫ 𝐄𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Average electric filed strength in
a particular volume.
Calculating Integrals 229
Average volume 1
displacement 𝐃𝑎 = ∫ 𝐃𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv Average electric displacement
vector in a particular volume.
Mean square strength 1
𝐸𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐸 2 𝑑𝑣
qfInt_Grad2_dv 𝑉 𝑉
Mean square 1
displacement 𝐷𝑎2 = ∫ 𝐷2 𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_KGrad_dv
Line integral of
displacement 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐃 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
𝐿
qfInt_KGrad_t_dl
Surface integral of
strength 𝑥 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
𝑆
qfInt_Grad_n_ds
For heat transfer problems:
For the heat transfer analysis, the most interesting integral
values are: the heat flux, mean volume temperature.
The following notations are used in formulas:
• G – vector of temperature gradient;
• F – vector of heat flux density;
• T – temperature.
230 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Name,
Formula and Description
ActiveFied constant
Heat flux
𝛷 = ∫ (𝐅 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
qfInt_KGrad_n_ds 𝑆
Heat flux through a particular
surface.
Temperature
difference Δ𝑇 = ∫ (𝐆 ∙ 𝐭)𝑑𝑙
𝐿
qfInt_Grad_t_dl The temperature difference between
starting and ending points of a
contour can be calculated as an
integral over the contour of the
temperature gradient.
Average surface 1
temperature 𝑇𝑆 = ∫ 𝑇𝑑𝑠
𝑆 𝑆
qfInt_Potential_ds
Average volume 1
temperature 𝑇𝑉 = ∫ 𝑇𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Potential_dv
Average volume 1
temperature gradient 𝐆𝑎 = ∫ 𝐆𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
qfInt_Grad_dv Mean vector of temperature gradient
in a volume.
Average volume heat 1
flux density 𝐅𝑎 = ∫ 𝐅𝑑𝑣
𝑉 𝑉
Calculating Integrals 231
Data Tables
QuickField can display the field data at discrete points,
distributed along the currently selected contour, in table view.
To open new table window, choose Table in the View menu
Data Tables 233
Table Columns
To change the set of visible table columns or the contents of
their headers, choose Columns from the View menu or from
context (right mouse button) menu in the Table window. The
Table Columns dialog appears on the screen.
The left part of the dialog window contains the list of all
known columns. You choose the set of visible columns
marking or clearing the check boxes in the list. Clicking on
Select All or Clear All button respectively marks and clears
all check boxes in the list.
The state of the check boxes in Header Contains defines
which column identification details should be included in its
234 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Table Rows
To fill the table with rows of values calculated at points on a
contour, choose Rows from the View menu or from context
(right mouse button) menu in the Table window. The
Table Rows dialog appears on the screen.
The dialog provides two alternative ways to tabulate the
contour. You either use a fixed step between contour points or
fill the required number of rows.
236 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Time Plot
For transient problems QuickField provides the means to plot
time-dependent field quantities versus time. You can display
both the plots of local field values at the given points and the
plots of the values integrated over the current contour.
Plots of local field values can simultaneously show the curves
for several field points. At the same time, such plots can show
the curves for several physical quantities with the same
measurement units. In cases when the measurement units
differ (as with temperature, its gradient, and the heat flux),
QuickField separates physical quantities into groups with
same measurement units and displays one group of quantities
at a time.
The plots of integrated values, on the other hand, always
display only one physical quantity, with graphs of vector
quantities represented as several curves displaying the
quantity's coordinate values and its absolute value.
To create a new time plot, choose Time Plot in the View or
context menu. The field value QuickField plots corresponds to
the last point you clicked. The clicks that count are those
inside the field picture window and those inside the
Calculator Window.
If the last click is in the Integral Calculator the time plot
displays the clicked integrated quantity. Such plots display
only one quantity at a time.
In other cases, the plot displays the local value at the clicked
point against time. If you did not click any point, or if the last
238 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
In turn, for each point can have several curves for different
field quantities, combined into three families: temperature,
temperature gradient, and heat flux.
To add a new point, click the very first row in the list, type
coordinates in the boxes above and click the Add button.
When choosing a point in the list you can change its
coordinates and switch on and off associated curves.
The Choose Quantity Family drop-down list at the bottom
allows you to switch the displayed curve family. Alternatively,
you can change the family via the context menu of the time
plot or the legend window.
To add a new point, click the very first row in the table, enter
the coordinates in the boxes above, and click Add. To change
the coordinates of the existing point select it in the list and
enter the new values. This way you can also switch the curves
associated with points on and off.
𝑑𝑙 𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑧 2
= √( ) + ( ) + ( ) ,
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
defining the length l(t) of the trajectory covered by the particle
in time t. We integrate the resulting system using the Runge-
Kutta-Merson method with automatically defined integration
step. Numerical integration stops immediately before the finite
element’s boundary, the step leading outside of the element
being excluded. At the last point in the element, we extrapolate
the trajectory with cubical segment of its Taylor series relative
244 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
Using Trajectories
Choosing Particle Trajectory from View menu opens the
modeless dialog window that allows changing beam
properties and viewing the calculation results on screen.
Trajectories of Charged Particles 245
The property values entered into the dialog fields come into
effect when you click Apply button.
The Particle dialog page allows to choose particle type from
the list or define its charge and mass manually. It also provides
you with the possibility to define the initial absolute value of
the particle’s velocity or its initial kinetic energy.
Next tab Emitter to specify parameters of monochromatic
point emitter.
246 Chapter 8 Analyzing Solution
CHAPTER 9
Introduction
This section includes detailed information about three-
dimensional analysis with QuickField. The workflow and
technique of working with 3D problems mostly relies on
knowledge of 2D analysis. If you feel yourself not quite
familiar with such things as material properties, boundary
conditions, field sources, geometric labels and spacing and so
on, we recommend first browse through Chapters 2, 3, 4 and
5 of this manual as well as videos, samples, papers and other
teaching material available online at www.quickfield.com.
Workflow for 3D model definition and analysis in general
follows the same steps as in 2D. You should:
• Create the new QuickField problem, and assign the model
type 3D Extrusion or 3D Import.
• For the problem with model class 3D Extrusion describe the
geometry in familiar Model Editor – first in XY plane, and
when add the heights to all planar objects,
or
Introduction 259
the problem tree will open the model editor window in its 3D
view. The button Import STEP in the 3D model editor toolbar
should be clicked next. The STEP file (usually with the
extension .step or .stp) should be selected and the button
Open clicked then.
If required, the imported geometric objects may be
complemented by the background region. The background
region is often used to restrict the calculation space, set up the
boundary conditions etc. It is a rectangular box, oriented on
the coordinate axes. The box dimensions are automatically
chosen to include all the geometrical objects with predefined
gaps around. The gap is defined by the user in percent from
the maximal model size.
2D and 3D problems
The choice between plane-parallel, axisymmetric or 3D
formulation is performed by selecting the proper model class
in the QuickField problem properties.
2D problems
Majority of QuickField analysis types are formulated as 2D,
i.e. plane-parallel or axisymmetric approximations.
Plane-parallel problems
Plane-parallel approximation means that the geometry,
boundary conditions, field sources, material properties and
y
model x
262 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
Axisymmetric problems
Axisymmetric approximation means that the geometry,
boundary conditions, field sources, material properties and
r
model z
3D problems
QuickField is able to solve 3D Electrostatic, 3D DC
conduction and 3D Steady state heat transfer analyses only.
In 3D problems the model geometry, material properties, field
sources and/or boundary conditions may depend upon all three
spatial coordinates X, Y and Z.
In QuickField the 3D geometry is built by one of two ways:
Problem definition – adding 3D features 263
model x
z
Switching to 3D View
After the height levels are set, the extrusion may be performed
by choosing a command 3D in the View menu, or by pressing
the button (Toggle 2D/3D in the model editor toolbar.
For successful extrusion following conditions should be met:
a. At least one block of the 2D model should have the finite-
element mesh and two or more height levels assigned.
b. None of 2D model meshed blocks should have one height
level assigned.
If either of these conditions is not met, error message is
displayed, and if it was caused by “b” then the blocks where
the condition does not work are highlighted. In case of success
the bodies extruded from the blocks which satisfy “a”, and
lower dimension objects at their boundaries are displayed in
3D.
Geometry model in the 3D subsystem 271
Background
region
Imported model
Extra vertices are usually used to fine tune the mesh density
distribution. To achieve this the needed mesh step may be
assigned to the extra vertex. Extra vertex may also have a label
and a boundary condition or field source associated with this
label.
274 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
Body
“column”
276 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
Object selection
3D geometric objects: bodies, faces, edges, vertices are
displayed in the 3D window. Each of objects may be in the
normal or selected state. Object selection is needed to change
its properties (assign the label etc.) or hide the object to see
what is hidden behind it.
Selected vertex
Selected body
Solving 3D problems
To obtain the problem solution, click the Solve button on
the toolbar, or choose Solve Problem in the Problem menu.
You may skip this action and directly proceed to the analysis
results by clicking Analyze Results on the toolbar or in the
Problem menu. If the problem has not been solved yet, or its
results are out of date, the solver will be invoked
automatically.
Result analysis 289
Result analysis
Problem solution in QuickField starts by choosing the
command Solve in the Problem menu, or by pressing the
button in the toolbar.
3D solution results may be presented in QuickField by
following methods:
• Different ways of the field picture display:
• Color painting of the surfaces according to the
value of the chosen physical parameter,
• Geometry model presentation using the edges,
• Presenting the finite element mesh on the visible
surfaces,
• Vector field plotting using scaled directed
vectors,
• Scalar field plotting using small scattered color
balls,
• Equipotential surfaces,
• Family of parallel slices, colored according to the
value of the chosen physical parameter,
• Cut plane, which may be interactively controlled,
• 2D picture of the field view in the cut plane,
• Plot of the chosen physical parameter along the
selected edge or edges.
• Local field values in the chosen point. Point may be selected
by mouse or by entering the coordinates.
• Integral parameters calculated across the volume of selected
bodies or along their external surface.
290 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
Field calculator
panels
Field presentations
Control of bodies
visibility
2D section
1D XY plot along the chosen edge(s)
To present the field clearly and informatively it is always
required to adjust the picture using rotation, moving or scaling
(see the Image control section) and hide the unused or
covering bodies (see the Object hiding section). These actions,
as well as selection of the geometrical objects in the field view
window are performed same way as in the 3D view of the
model editor.
Settings pane includes all control settings grouped according
to the presentation types.
Settings
panel
grid with specified step. Then in each node of this grid the
vector is drawn as a directed straight segment (arrow). Each
arrow direction is agreed with the direction of the chosen
vector quantity, and the length corresponds to the vector
module in chosen scale. The Vectors command in the View
menu or the button in the field view toolbar turn the vector
plot on and off.
When the mouse cursor is over the contour, right mouse button
click activates the context menu with contour editing
commands:
Two upper commands select one of the alternative contour
modes: adding new segments to the end of the broken line, or
dragging the existent nodes. Next two commands remove the
selected node or the whole contour.
• The contour is always directed, i.e. it is known which nodes
are first and last. Contour direction may be changed using
the Change Direction command.
• Translate Contour command allows dragging the contour
as a whole by the mouse.
Context menu commands for the contour manipulation are
also included into the Contour menu.
Multiple parallel cuts – slice plot
It is often useful to use not one, but multiple cut planes for
complete field analysis. Presentation “Slice plot” is provided
Result analysis 311
Selected
edges
Zoom
control
To specify the number of the table rows you need to press the
button in the toolbar, which displays the dialogue window
Table rows.
316 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
Integral calculation
In addition to the local field values QuickField can calculate
integral parameters, such as electric charge, mechanical force
and electric field energy.
Integration region for the volume integrals includes the
selected bodies, and for the surface integrals – the selected
faces or the planar section of the 3D model.
Integration area of the surface integrals, calculated over the
planar section includes the cross-sections of all the visible
bodies which were cut by the plane. Turning their visibility
on/off will control the integration area. Integration results are
shown in the Integral Calculator tab of the 2D section
window.
In the electrostatic problems the following integrals may be
calculated:
• Total electric charge in a particular volume
𝑞 = ∮ 𝐃 ∙ 𝐝𝐬
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of
the volume, and n denotes the vector of the
outward unit normal.
Result analysis 319
w = 1/2 ∫ (𝐄 ⋅ 𝐃) 𝐝𝐯
𝑉
In the DC conduction problems the following integrals may be
calculated:
• Electric current through a particular surface
I = ∮ 𝐉 ∙ 𝐝𝐬
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume.
In the steady state heat transfer problems the following
integrals may be calculated:
• Heat flux through a particular surface
Ф = ∮ 𝜆 ∙ grad 𝑇 𝐝𝐬
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume.
320 Chapter 9 Working with 3D Problem
CHAPTER 10
Add-ins
add-ins, you can associate several menu items with one add-
in.
• To add a menu item, click Add Item.
• To delete a menu item, click Delete.
• To change menu item properties, click Edit.
Description Properties
Friendly name. It is recommended to specify a readable name
here for add-in.
Description. It is recommended to provide detailed
description of the add-in here.
326 Chapter 10 Add-ins
CHAPTER 11
Theoretical Description
Magnetostatics
QuickField can solve both linear and nonlinear magnetic
problems. Magnetic field may be induced by the concentrated
or distributed currents, permanent magnets or external
magnetic fields.
The magnetic problem is formulated as the Poisson's equation
for vector magnetic potential A (B = curl A, B⎯magnetic
flux density vector). The flux density is assumed to lie in the
plane of model (xy or zr), while the vector of electric current
density j and the vector potential A are orthogonal to it. Only
330 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Field Sources
The field sources can be specified in blocks, at the edges or at
the individual vertices of the model. Possible field sources
include space, surface and linear electric currents and
permanent magnets. The coercive force is chosen to be
primary characteristic for the permanent magnets.
A point source in the xy-plane describes a linear current in
out-of-plane direction. In axisymmetric case the point source
represents the current in a thin ring around the axis of
symmetry. Edge-bound source in the plane of model
Magnetostatics 331
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of vector
magnetic potential A0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model.
This boundary condition defines normal component of the flux
density vector. It is often used to specify vanishing value of
this component, for example at the axis of symmetry or at the
distant boundary. QuickField also supports the Dirichlet
condition with a function of coordinates. This approach allows
332 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Permanent Magnets
Since the coercive force is considered in QuickField to be the
piecewise constant function, its contribution to the equation is
equivalent to surface currents which flow along the surface of
the permanent magnet in direction orthogonal to the model
plane. The density of such effective current is equal to jump
of the tangent component of the coercive force across the
magnet boundary. For example, rectangular magnet with the
coercive force Hc directed along x-axis can be replaced by two
oppositely directed currents at its upper and lower surfaces.
The current density at the upper edge is numerically equal to
Hc, and −Hc at the lower edge.
334 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Local quantities:
• Vector magnetic potential A (flux function rA in
axisymmetric case);
• Vector of the magnetic flux density B = curl A
𝜕𝐴 𝜕𝐴
𝐵𝑥 = , 𝐵𝑦 = − ⎯ for planar case;
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕(𝑟𝐴) 𝜕𝐴 ⎯ for
𝐵𝑧 = ∙ , 𝐵𝑟 = − axisymmetric case;
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧
• Vector of magnetic field intensity
1
𝐇 = 𝐁,
𝜇
where is the magnetic permeability tensor.
Integral quantities:
• Total magnetic force acting on bodies contained in a
particular volume
1
𝐅 = ∮ (𝐇(𝐧𝐁) + 𝐁(𝐧𝐇)– 𝐧(𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume, and n denotes the vector of the outward unit
normal.
• Total torque of magnetic forces acting on bodies contained
in a particular volume
336 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
1
𝐓= ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐇](𝐧𝐁)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐁](𝐧𝐇) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
where r is a radius vector of the point of
integration.
The torque vector is parallel to z-axis in the planar case, and
is identically equal to zero in the axisymmetric one. The
torque is considered relative to the origin of the coordinate
system. The torque relative to any other arbitrary point can
be obtained by adding extra term of F r0, where F is the
total force and r0 is the radius vector of the point.
• Magnetic field energy
1
𝑊 = ∫ (𝐇 · 𝐁)𝑑𝑣 ⎯ linear case;
2
𝑉
𝐵
Inductance Calculation
To get self inductance of a coil, leave the current on in this coil
only and make sure that all other currents are turned off. After
solving the problem go to the Postprocessor and obtain flux
linkage for the contour coinciding with the cross section of the
coil. Once you’ve done that, the inductance of the coil can be
obtained from the following equation:
𝑛Ψ
𝐿= ,
𝐼
where n is a number of turns in the coil, is a flux linkage, j
is a current per one turn of the coil.
Mutual inductance between two coils can be obtained in a
similar way. The only difference from the previous case is that
electric current has to be turned on in one coil, and the flux
linkage has to be evaluated over the cross section of another.
𝑛2 Ψ2
𝐿12 = ,
𝐼1
In plane-parallel case every coil has to be represented by at
least two conductors with equal but opposite currents. In some
cases both conductors are modeled, in other cases only one of
two conductors is included in the model and the rest is
replaced by the boundary condition A = 0 at the plane of
338 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Transient Magnetics
Transient magnetic analysis is the generalized form of
computation of electric and magnetic field, induced by direct
or time-varying currents (alternating, impulse, etc.),
permanent magnets, or external magnetic fields, in linear or
nonlinear (ferromagnetic) media, and takes into account eddy
current (skin) effect in conductors of electric current.
The formulation is derived from Maxwell's equations for
vector magnetic potential A (B = curl A) and scalar electric
potential U (E = -grad U):
𝟏
𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥 𝐀 = 𝐣 + 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥 𝐇𝒄 ,
𝜇
𝜕𝐀
𝐣 = σ𝐄 = −σ − σ ∙ 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝑈
𝜕𝑡
where 1/μ is an inverse permeability tensor, and g is electric
conductivity. In accordance with the second equation, vector j
of the total current in a conductor can be considered as a
Transient Magnetics 339
𝑈 𝜕𝐀
𝐼 = −σ∫ 𝑑𝑠
𝑅 𝜕𝑡
Ω
where U is the voltage difference between the two terminals
of the solid conductor, and R is the DC resistance of the
conductor.
The flux density is assumed to lie in the plane of model (xy or
zr), while the vector of electric current density j and the vector
potential A are orthogonal to it. Only jz and Az in planar or j
and A in axisymmetric case are not equal to zero. We will
denote them simply j and A. Finally, the equation for planar
case is
𝜕 1 𝜕𝐴 𝜕 1 𝜕𝐴 𝜕𝐀
( )+ ( )−σ
𝜕𝑥 𝜇𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜇𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝐻𝑐𝑦 𝜕𝐻𝑐𝑥
= −𝑗0 + ( − );
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
340 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Field Sources
The field sources can be specified in blocks, at the edges or at
the individual vertices of the model. Possible field sources
include space, surface and linear electric currents; voltages
applied to conductive areas; and permanent magnets. The
coercive force is chosen to be primary characteristic for the
permanent magnets.
Transient Magnetics 341
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of vector
magnetic potential A0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model.
This boundary condition defines normal component of the flux
density vector. It is often used to specify vanishing value of
this component, for example at the axis of symmetry or at the
distant boundary. QuickField also supports the Dirichlet
condition with a function of coordinates. This approach allows
you to model a uniform external field by specifying non-zero
Transient Magnetics 343
Permanent Magnets
Since the coercive force is considered in QuickField to be the
piecewise constant function, its contribution to the equation is
equivalent to surface currents which flow along the surface of
the permanent magnet in direction orthogonal to the model
plane. The density of such effective current is equal to jump
of the tangent component of the coercive force across the
magnet boundary. For example, rectangular magnet with the
coercive force Hc directed along x-axis can be replaced by two
oppositely directed currents at its upper and lower surfaces.
The current density at the upper edge is numerically equal to
Hc, and −Hc at the lower edge.
Transient Magnetics 345
Local quantities:
• Vector magnetic potential A (flux function rA in
axisymmetric case);
• Voltage U applied to the conductor;
• Total current density j = j0 + jeddy, source current density j0
and eddy current density
𝜕𝐀
𝐣eddy = −σ
𝜕𝑡
• Vector of the magnetic flux density B = curl A
𝜕𝐴 𝜕𝐴
𝐵𝑥 = , 𝐵𝑦 = − ⎯ for planar case;
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕(𝑟𝐴) 𝜕𝐴 ⎯ for axisymmetric
𝐵𝑧 = ∙ , 𝐵𝑟 = − case;
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧
• Vector of magnetic field intensity
1
𝐇 = 𝐁,
𝜇
where is the magnetic permeability tensor.
• Joule heat density
1 2
𝑗 𝑄 =
𝜎
• Magnetic field energy density w = (BH)/2;
• Magnetic permeability (its largest component in
anisotropic media);
• Electric conductivity σ.
Transient Magnetics 347
Integral quantities:
• Electric current through a particular surface
𝐼 = ∫ 𝑗 𝑑𝑠
1
𝐅 = ∮ (𝐇(𝐧𝐁) + 𝐁(𝐧𝐇)– 𝐧(𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume, and n denotes the vector of the outward unit
normal.
• Total torque of magnetic forces acting on bodies contained
in a volume
1
𝐓= ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐇](𝐧𝐁)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐁](𝐧𝐇) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
where r is a radius vector of the point of integration.
The torque vector is parallel to z-axis in the planar case, and
is identically equal to zero in the axisymmetric one. The
torque is considered relative to the origin of the coordinate
system. The torque relative to any other arbitrary point can
348 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
1 ⎯ linear
𝑊= ∫ (𝐇 · 𝐁)𝑑𝑣
2 case;
𝑉
𝐵
⎯ nonlinear
𝑊 = ∫ (∫ 𝐻(𝐵′)𝑑𝐵′) 𝑑𝑣
case.
0
AC Magnetic
AC magnetic analysis is the study of magnetic and electric
fields arising from the application of an alternating (AC)
current source, or an imposed alternating external field.
AC Magnetic 349
𝑈 𝜕𝐀
𝐼 = −σ∫ 𝑑𝑠
𝑅 𝜕𝑡
Ω
where U is the voltage difference between the two terminals
of the solid conductor, and R is the DC resistance of the
conductor.
The problem is formulated as a partial differential equation for
the complex amplitude of vector magnetic potential A
(B = curl A, B⎯magnetic flux density vector). The flux
density is assumed to lie in the plane of model (xy or zr), while
the vector of electric current density j and the vector potential
A are orthogonal to it. Only jz and Az in planar or j and A in
axisymmetric case are not equal to zero. We will denote them
simply j and A. The equation for planar case is
𝜕 1 𝜕𝐴 𝜕 1 𝜕𝐴
( )+ ( ) − 𝑖𝜔𝜎𝐴 = −𝑗0
𝜕𝑥 𝜇𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜇𝑥 𝜕𝑦
AC Magnetic 351
Field Sources
The field sources can be specified in the blocks, at the edges
or at the individual vertices of the model. Possible field
sources include space, surface and linear electric currents and
voltages applied to conductive areas.
A point source in the xy-plane corresponds to a linear current
in out-of-plane direction. In axisymmetric case the point
source represents the current in a thin ring around the axis of
symmetry. Edge-bound source in the plane of model
represents a surface current in three-dimensional world. It is
specified by the Neumann boundary condition for the edge.
There are several ways to specify space-distributed electric
current. In a massive conductor, you can specify either a total
current or a voltage applied to the conductor. In planar
problems, voltage drop is specified per unit depth of the
model, and in axisymmetric case voltage is assumed per one
turn around the axis of symmetry. Nonzero voltage applied to
a conductor in axisymmetric problem means that the
conductor has a radial cut, and the voltage is applied to sides
of the cut. In practice this option could be used to describe
known voltage applied to massive spiral wiring, in which case
the total voltage drop for the coil should be divided by number
of turns in the coil.
Several blocks with the same value of total current or voltage
applied can be considered as connected in series. In that case
each conductor carries the same total current, and voltage (if
AC Magnetic 353
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of vector
magnetic potential A0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model.
354 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
𝜕𝐴 𝜕𝐴
𝐵𝑥 = , 𝐵𝑦 = − ⎯ for planar case;
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕 (𝑟𝐴) 𝜕𝐴 ⎯ for axisymmetric
𝐵𝑧 = ∙ , 𝐵𝑟 = −
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧 case;
• Complex vector of magnetic field intensity
1
𝐇 = 𝐁,
𝜇
where is the magnetic permeability tensor;
• Time average and peak Joule heat density
1 2 2 2 2
3
𝑄 = 𝑗 + 𝑘ℎ ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝐵 + 𝑘𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝐵 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ (𝑓 ∙ 𝐵)2
𝜎
• Time average and peak magnetic field energy density
w = B H / 2;
• Time average Poynting vector (local power flow) S = E×H;
• Time average Lorentz force density vector F = j×B;
• Magnetic permeability (its largest component in
anisotropic media);
• Electric conductivity σ.
Integral quantities:
• Complex magnitude of electric current through a particular
surface and its source and eddy components
𝐼 = ∫ 𝑗 𝑑𝑠
Oscillating
peak average componen
t
- 2
where B – is the flux density magnetide and kh, kc, ke are user
defined coefficients.
• Time average and peak magnetic field energy
1
𝑊= ∫ (𝐇 · 𝐁)𝑑𝑣
2
𝑉
• Time average and peak power flow through the given
surface (Poynting vector flow)
𝑆 = ∫ (𝐒 · 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
1
𝐅= ∮ (𝐇(𝐧𝐁) + 𝐁(𝐧𝐇)– 𝐧(𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume, and n denotes the vector of the outward unit
normal.
358 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
1
𝐓 = ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐇](𝐧𝐁)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐁](𝐧𝐇) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐇𝐁))𝑑𝑠,
where r is a radius vector of the point of integration.
• Time average and oscillating part of Lorentz force acting on
conductors contained in a particular volume
𝐅 = ∫ [𝐣 × 𝐁]𝑑𝑣.
𝑉
• Time average and peak Lorentz force torque acting on
bodies contained in a particular volume
𝐓 = ∫ [𝐫 × [𝐣 × 𝐁]]𝑑𝑣.
𝑉
where r is a radius vector of the point of integration.
The torque vector is parallel to z-axis in the planar case, and
is identically equal to zero in the axisymmetric one. The
torque is considered relative to the origin of the coordinate
system. The torque relative to any other arbitrary point can
be obtained by adding extra term of F r0, where F is the
total force and r0 is the radius vector of the point.
AC Magnetic 359
Impedance Calculation
Impedance in ac magnetic analysis is a complex coefficient
between complex values of current and voltage, V = ZI. Its
real part represents active resistance of the conductor,
calculated with the skin effect taken into account. The
imaginary part of the impedance is the inductance multiplied
by the angular frequency .
𝑍 = 𝑅 + 𝑖𝜔𝐿
As values of voltage and current in any conductor are easily
accessible in the postprocessor, you can determine the
impedance by dividing voltage by current using complex
arithmetic. Let V and I be peak values of voltage and current,
and V and I be phases of those quantities. Then the active
resistance is calculated as
𝑉
𝑅 = cos(φ𝑉 − φ𝐼 ),
𝐼
and the inductance as
𝑉
𝐿= sin(φ𝑉 − φ𝐼 ),
𝐼 ∙ 2𝜋𝑓
360 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Electrostatics
Electrostatic problems are described by the Poisson's equation
for scalar electric potential U (E = −gradU, E⎯electric field
intensity vector). The equation for planar case is
𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜀𝑥 )+ (𝜀𝑦 ) = −ρ,
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
for axisymmetric case:
1 𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜀 𝑟 ) + (𝜀𝑧 ) = −ρ,
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
And for 3D formulation:
𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜀 ) + (𝜀 ) + (𝜀 ) = −ρ,
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
where components of electric permittivity tensor x, y, z or
z, r and electric charge density are constants within each
block of the model. Anisotropy is not accounted for in 3D
formulation.
Electrostatics 361
Field Sources
QuickField provides possibility to specify electric charges
located in the bodies, on the faces, at the edges or at the
individual vertices of the model. In planar case, the electric
charge specified at a point of the xy-plane corresponds to a
charged string that is perpendicular to the plane of the model,
and is described by the linear charge density. In axisymmetric
case the vertex charge represents a charged circle around the
axis of symmetry or a point charge located on the axis. To
incorporate both these cases a total charge value is associated
with the vertex. For the charged circle the total charge is
connected with its linear density by the relationship q = 2r.
Edge-bound charge in the plane of model represents a
surface-bound charge in three-dimensional world. It is
described by surface charge density and is specified by the
Neumann boundary condition for the edge. The charge density
associated with a body or within a block is equivalent to the
space charge.
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of electric
potential U0 at the vertex, at the edge, or on the face of the
model (for example on a capacitor plate). This kind of
boundary condition is also useful at an outward boundary of
the region that is formed by the plane of electric antisymmetry
of the problem (opposite charges in symmetrical geometry).
362 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
𝜕𝐸𝑧 𝐸𝑟
G𝑧𝑧 = ,G = , —for
𝜕𝑥 𝑟𝑟 𝜕𝑟
axisymmetric
𝜕𝐸𝑧 𝜕𝐸𝑟
𝐺𝑧𝑟 = ½ ( + ) case;
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧
and also its principal components G1 and G2.
• Vector of electric induction D = E, where is electric
permittivity tensor.
Integral quantities:
• Total electric charge in a particular volume
𝑞 = ∮ 𝐃 ∙ 𝐧 𝑑𝑠,
1
𝐅= ∮ (𝐄(𝐧𝐃) + 𝐃(𝐧𝐄)– 𝐧(𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
• Total torque of electric forces acting on bodies contained in
a particular volume
1
𝐓= ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐄](𝐧𝐃)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐃](𝐧𝐄) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
where r is a radius vector of the point of integration.
Electrostatics 365
1
𝑊 = ∫ (𝐄 · 𝐃)𝑑𝑣
2
𝑉
For planar problems all integral quantities are considered per
unit length in z-direction.
The domain of integration is specified in the plane of the
model as a closed contour consisting of line segments and
circular arcs.
Capacitance Calculation
There are several ways to calculate capacitance using
QuickField. The easiest one of them is based on measuring an
electric potential produced by a known charge. To get
capacitance of a conductor, put constant potential boundary
condition on its surface, specify an arbitrary non zero electric
charge in one of the vertices on the surface of the conductor
(in fact, the charge will be distributed over the conductor’s
surface), and turn off all other field sources in the model. Once
the problem is solved, go to the Postprocessor and take the
value of electric potential somewhere on the surface of the
366 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
DC Conduction Analysis
QuickField is able to calculate the distribution of electric
current in systems of conductors. The problems of current
distribution are described by the Poisson's equation for scalar
electric potential U.
The equation for planar case is
𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜎𝑥 ) + (𝜎𝑦 ) = 0,
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
for axisymmetric case:
DC Conduction Analysis 367
1𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜎 𝑟 ) + (𝜎𝑧 ) = 0,
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
and for 3D formulation:
𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈 𝜕 𝜕𝑈
(𝜎 ) + (𝜎 ) + (𝜎 ) = 0,
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
where components of electric conductivity tensor σx, σy or σz,
σr are constant within each model block. Anisotropy is not
accounted for in 3D formulation.
The electric current density j can be obtained from the
equation j = −σgrad U.
Field Sources
With the problems of dc conduction, the field sources are
external currents supplied to the boundary of a conductor.
QuickField provides possibility to specify external current
density at the edges or at the individual vertices of the model.
The current density specified at a point of the xy-plane
corresponds to a knife-edge current collector that is
perpendicular to the plane of the model, and is described by
the linear current density. In axisymmetric case the vertex
source represents a circular collector around the axis of
symmetry or a point collector located on the axis. To
incorporate both these cases, a total current value is associated
with the vertex. For the circular knife-edge collector the total
current value is connected with its linear density by the
relationship I = 2r. Edge-bound current density in the
plane of model represents a surface-bound external current
368 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of electric
potential U0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model. U0 value
at the edge can be specified as a linear function of coordinates.
The function parameters can vary from one edge to another,
but have to be adjusted to avoid discontinuities at edges'
junction points.
𝜕𝑈 —for
𝜕𝑈
𝐸𝑧 = − , 𝐸𝑟 = −
axisymmetric
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑟
case;
• Vector of current density j = σE, where σ - is electric
conductivity tensor.
Integral quantities:
Electric current through a given surface
𝐼 = ∫ 𝐣 ∙ 𝐧 𝑑𝑠,
𝑆
where n denotes the vector of the unit normal.
• Joule heat produced in a volume
𝑊 = ∫ (𝐄 · 𝐣)𝑑𝑣.
𝑉
For planar problems all integral quantities are considered per
unit length in z direction.
The domain of integration is specified in the plane of the
model as a closed contour consisting of line segments and
circular arcs.
AC Conduction Analysis
AC conduction analysis is the study of electric field, current
and losses arising in conductors and imperfect (lossy)
dielectrics from the application of an alternating (AC) voltage
or external current to electrodes.
AC Conduction Analysis 371
Field Sources
With ac conduction problems, the field sources are external
currents or voltages supplied to the boundary of a conductor.
372 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of electric
potential U0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model. U0 value
at the edge can be specified as a linear function of coordinates.
The function parameters can vary from one edge to another,
but have to be adjusted to avoid discontinuities at edges'
junction points.
AC Conduction Analysis 373
𝐼 = ∫ (𝐣 ∙ 𝐧) 𝑑𝑠
𝑆
where n denotes the vector of the unit normal.
• Time average and peak active Pactive, reactive Preactive, and
apparent P power produced in a volume
𝑃 = ∫ (𝐄 ∙ 𝐣) 𝑑𝑣
𝑉
• Time average and oscillating part of electric force acting on
bodies contained in a particular volume
1
𝐅= ∮ (𝐄(𝐧𝐃) + 𝐃(𝐧𝐄)– 𝐧(𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume, and n denotes the vector of the outward unit
normal.
• Time average and peak electric force torque acting on
bodies contained in a particular volume
1
𝐓= ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐄](𝐧𝐃)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐃](𝐧𝐄) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
where r is a radius vector of the point of integration.
The torque vector is parallel to z-axis in the planar case, and
is identically equal to zero in the axisymmetric one. The
376 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Field Sources
The field sources are external currents or voltages supplied to
the boundary of a conductor. QuickField provides possibility
to specify external current density at the edges or at the
individual vertices of the model. The current density specified
at a point of the xy-plane corresponds to a knife-edge current
collector, which is perpendicular to the plane of the model, and
is described by the linear current density. In axisymmetric case
Transient Electric Analysis 377
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Dirichlet condition specifies a known value of electric
potential U0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model. U0 value
at the edge can be specified as a linear function of coordinates.
The function parameters can vary from one edge to another,
but have to be adjusted to avoid discontinuities at edges'
junction points.
Integral quantities:
• Electric current (active Iactive and reactive Ireactive) through a
given surface
𝐼 = ∫ 𝐣 ∙ 𝐧 𝑑𝑠,
𝑆
where n denotes the vector of the unit normal.
• Active Pactive and reactive Preactive power produced in a
volume
𝑃 = ∫ (𝐄 · 𝐣)𝑑𝑣.
𝑉
• Electric force acting on bodies contained in a particular
volume
1
𝐅= ∮ (𝐄(𝐧𝐃) + 𝐃(𝐧𝐄)– 𝐧(𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
2
𝑆
where integral is evaluated over the boundary of the
volume, and n denotes the vector of the outward unit
normal.
• Electric force torque acting on bodies contained in a
particular volume
1
𝐓 = ∮ ([𝐫 × 𝐄](𝐧𝐃)
2
𝑆
+ [𝐫 × 𝐃](𝐧𝐄) – [𝐫 × 𝐧](𝐄𝐃))𝑑𝑠,
Heat Transfer 381
Heat Transfer
With QuickField you can analyze linear and nonlinear
temperature fields in one of two formulations: steady state or
transient: heating or cooling of the system.
Heat-transfer equation for linear problems is:
𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
(𝜆𝑥 ) + (𝜆𝑦 ) = −𝑞 − 𝑐𝜌 planar case;
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑡
1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 axisymmetric
(𝜆𝑟 𝑟 ) + (𝜆𝑧 ) = −𝑞 − 𝑐𝜌
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡 case;
𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇
(𝜆 ) + (𝜆 ) + (𝜆 ) = −𝑞 3D case;
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
for nonlinear problems:
382 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇
(𝜆(𝑇) ) + (𝜆(𝑇) )
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 planar case;
𝜕𝑇
= −𝑞(𝑇) − 𝑐(𝑇)𝜌
𝜕𝑡
1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜕𝑇
(𝜆(𝑇)𝑟 ) + (𝜆(𝑇) ) axisymmetric
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑇 case;
= −𝑞(𝑇) − 𝑐(𝑇)𝜌
𝜕𝑡
where:
T — temperature;
t — time;
x(y,z,r) — components of heat conductivity tensor,
anisotropy is not accounted for in 3D formulation;
(T) — heat conductivity as a function of temperature
approximated by cubic spline (anisotropy is not supported in
nonlinear case);
q(T) — volume power of heat sources, in linear case—
constant, in nonlinear case—function of temperature
approximated by cubic spline.
c(T) — specific heat, in nonlinear case—function of
temperature approximated by cubic spline;
ρ — density of the substance.
In steady state case the last term in these equations equals zero.
In linear case all the parameters are constants within each
block of the model.
Heat Transfer 383
Heat Sources
QuickField provides possibility to specify the heat sources
located in the blocks, at the edges or at the individual vertices
of the model. The heat source specified at a point of the
xy-plane corresponds to a linear string-like heater which is
perpendicular to the plane of the model, and is described by
the generated power per unit length. In axisymmetric case the
vertex heat source represents a heating circle around the axis
of symmetry or a point heater located on the axis. To
incorporate both these cases a total generated power value is
associated with the vertex. For the heating circle the total
power is connected with its linear density by the relationship
q = 2rql. Edge-bound heat source in the plane of model
represents a surface heat source in three-dimensional world. It
is described by power per unit area and is specified by the
Neumann boundary condition for the edge. The volume power
density associated with a block corresponds to the volume heat
source.
Boundary Conditions
The following boundary conditions can be specified at
outward and inner boundaries of the region.
Known temperature boundary condition (known also as
boundary condition of the first kind) specifies a known value
of temperature T0 at the vertex or at the edge of the model (for
example on a liquid-cooled surface). T0 value at the edge can
be specified as a linear function of coordinates. The function
384 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
𝛷 = ∫ (𝐅 ∙ 𝐧) 𝑑𝑠
𝑆
Stress Analysis 387
Stress Analysis
Within QuickField package, the plane stress, the plane strain
and the axisymmetric stress models are available with both
isotropic and orthotropic materials. The plane stress model is
suitable for analyzing structures that are thin in the
out-of-plane direction, e.g., thin plates subject to in-plate
loading. Out-of-plane direct stress and shear stresses are
assumed to be negligible. The plane strain model is formulated
by assuming that out-of-plane strains are negligible. This
model is suitable for structures that are thick in the
out-of-plane direction.
Thermal Strain
Temperature strain is determined by the coefficients of
thermal expansion and difference of temperatures between
392 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
External Forces
QuickField provides way to specify concentrated loads,
surface and body forces. The concentrated loads are defined at
vertices as two components of the corresponding vector. The
surface forces at the edges of the model are specified by the
vector components or by the normal pressure. The body forces
are defined by their components within blocks of the model.
Each component of the body force vector can be specified as
a function of the coordinates. This feature can be used, for
example, to model centrifugal forces. The normal pressure
also can be a function of the coordinates that is useful for
hydrostatic pressure.
Restriction Conditions
Rigid constraint condition along one or both axes can be
specified at any vertex or along any edge of the model.
Prescribed displacement at restrained edge can be specified as
a linear function of the coordinates.
Elastic support condition describes a vertex subject to springy
force which is proportional to difference between actual and
predetermined displacement. The elastic support condition is
characterized by the predetermined displacement and the
support elasticity.
Local quantities:
• The absolute value of displacement
1
σ𝑒 = √ [(𝜎1 − 𝜎2 )2 + (𝜎2 − 𝜎3 )2 + (𝜎3 − 𝜎1 )2 ]
2
where 1, 2 and 3 denote the principal stresses in
descending order.
• Tresca criterion (maximum shear):
σe = 1 − 3;
• Mohr-Coulomb criterion:
σe = 1 − 3,
where = + / −;
+ and − denote tensile and compressive allowable
stress.
• Drucker-Prager criterion:
396 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
2
√𝜒 − 𝜒 1 1 − √𝜒
𝜎𝑒 = (1 + √𝜒)𝜎𝑖 − 𝜎̅ + ( 𝜎̅)
1 + √𝜒 [𝜎− ] 1 + √𝜒
where
1
σ𝑖 = √ [(𝜎1 − 𝜎2 )2 + (𝜎2 − 𝜎3 )2 + (𝜎3 − 𝜎1 )2 ];
2
𝜎1 + 𝜎2 + 𝜎3
𝜎̅ =
3
• Tsai-Hill failure index for orthotropic materials:
𝜎12 𝜎1 𝜎2 𝜎22 𝜏12
2
𝐶𝑡ℎ = 2− 2 + 2+ 2
𝑋1 𝑋1 𝑋2 𝑆12
where 1, 2 and 12 are computed stresses in the material
directions and,
X1 = X1T if 1>0; X1 = X1C if 1<0
X2 = X2T if 2>0; X2 = X2C if 2<0
S12 = S12+ if 12>0; S12 = S12- if 12<0
where X1T, X2T, X1C, X2C, S12+ and S12- are tensile,
compressive and shear allowable stresses.
Integral quantities:
• Total force acting on a particular volume
𝐅 = ∮ (𝜎 ∙ 𝐧)𝑑𝑠
𝑆
where σ is the stress tensor.
The integral is evaluated over the boundary of the volume,
and n denotes the vector of the outward unit normal.
Coupled Problems 397
Coupled Problems
QuickField is capable of importing loads (distributed sources)
calculated in some problem into the problem of another type.
Following coupling types are supported:
• Heat transfer caused by Joule heat generated in the transient
or AC magnetic problem, or DC or AC conduction problem.
• Thermal stresses based on a calculated temperature
distribution.
• Stress analysis of the system loaded by magnetic of electric
forces.
• Electrical conductivity depending on temperature.
• A special case of coupling allows for importing of the field
distribution in some steady state or transient problem into
another transient problem as its initial state. This applies to
transient magnetic and transient heat transfer analysis.
398 Chapter 11 Theoretical Description
Index
cutting by plane 283
. import 271
.m3d (model) files 42 labels 284
mesh spacing 285
2 object hiding 281
object selection 280
2D and 3D problems 261 view 270, 274
zooming 279
3 3D problem
3D cut plane 304, 307
2D sketch 259 cut plane normal
extrusion 260, 263, 266 direction 306
geometry model 265 electric charge 318
import 263 electric force 319
level 266, 267 energy of electric field
level, add 269 319
level, change 269 field calculator 290
level, remove 269 field presentation modes
problem 258 292
problem definition 262, field view presentations
263 294
view manipulation 276, finite element mesh 297
295 integral values 290, 318
workflow 258 local values 290, 317
3D model objects hiding 295
boundary conditions 288 result analysis 289
camera 278 results 291
404 Index
electric 33 criterion
floating 363 Drucker-Prager 128,
isolated See conductor: 170, 395
floating Hill 128
contour Mohr-Coulomb 128,
editing 194 170, 395
convection 123, 385 Tresca 170, 395
coordinates Tsai-Hill 170, 396
Cartesian 53 von Mises 169, 395
polar 53 current 200, 330, 352
core loss 357 active 168, 169, 374,
coupled problems 397 379
coupling 46 alternating 33, 37, 348,
electro-structural 35, 38, 370
400 apparent 168, 169, 374
electro-thermal 32, 34, density 30, 31, 34, 36,
37, 38, 399 95, 98, 101, 167, 329,
initial magnetic state 32 350, 366
initial thermal state 40 density, units of 53
magneto-structural 30, density, volume 351
32, 34, 399 displacement 379
remembering magnetic eddy 33, 164, 339, 346,
state 30 350, 355
remembering the electric 36, 339, 350
magnetic state 401 reactive 168, 169, 374
thermo-structural 40, source 33, 164, 339,
128, 399 346, 350, 353, 355
creating surface 333, 344, 355
circuit 152 time-dependent 31
label 94 total 33, 98, 164, 346,
problem 43 355
407
U creating 60
deleting 65
units of length 52 labeling 79
voltage 33, 34, 37, 101,
V 340, 352, See potential:
vertex 56, 58, 329, 330, electric
352 volume power 121
and AC conduction data
118 W
and AC magnetic data window
109 document 28
and boundary condition problem 27
331, 342, 353, 368, 372, tools 28
377, 383, 394 wizard 185
and DC conduction data capacitance 35, 190
115 impedance 34, 193
and electric charge 361 inductance 30, 34, 186
and electric current 367,
372, 376 X
and electric data 121
and electrostatic data X-Y plot 178, 197
112 copying 248
and heat source 383 printing 248
and heat transfer data versus time 237
125
and magnetic data 100 Y
and mesh spacing 59, Young's modulus 126,391
81, 82
and stress analysis data Z
129 zooming 85, 177
copying 62
415