MATLAB Finite Element Analysis for Electromechanical Systems

Ran Chang

Mentor: Heath Hofmann

 

            In this project I will aid in the development of finite element code, written in MATLAB, that is being developed at Penn State University to analyze electromechanical devices.  Electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA) is an approximate method of solving Maxwell’s equations for a specific problem by discretizing the problem space into a “mesh”, and generating large systems of equations which must then be solved. Electromechanical FEA is essentially the same as electromagnetic FEA, except that mechanical motion is introduced into the problem. My tasks will most likely involve structuring existing code and providing a convenient user interface. Other possible tasks may include the development of finite element models for specific electromechanical devices, or the implementation of high-performance equation solvers to speed the analysis. The built-in functions and graphical capabilities of MATLAB provide an excellent, user-friendly environment for learning the inner workings of finite element code.