Boundary-integral method for poloidal axisymmetric AC magnetic fields

Abstract

This paper presents a boundary-integral equation (BIE) method for the calculation of poloidal axisymmetric magnetic fields applicable in a wide range of ac frequencies. The method is based on the vector potential formulation and it uses the Green's functions of Laplace and Helmholtz equations for the exterior and interior of conductors, respectively. The work is particularly focused on a calculation of axisymmetric Green's function for the Helmholtz equation which is both simpler and more accurate compared to previous approaches. Three different approaches are used for calculation of the Green's function depending on the parameter range. For low and high dimensionless ac frequencies we use a power series expansion in terms of elliptical integrals and an asymptotic series in terms of modified Bessel functions of second kind, respectively. For the intermediate frequency range, Gauss-Chebyshev-Lobatto quadratures are used. The method is verified by comparing with the analytical solution for a sphere in a uniform external ac field. The application of the method is demonstrated for a composite model inductor containing an external secondary circuit.