2. Numerical finite element methods

2.1 General

The use of finite elements in electrical engineering began in the 1970s with the solution of magnetostatic problems. The methodology quickly gained acceptance thanks to its ease of use and its ability to solve Maxwell's equations in domains of complex shape.

Without going into too much detail, to use this method, we decompose the study domain into triangular elements and then calculate the unknown function at the nodes of the mesh thus obtained. Today, this method can be used to solve both static and dynamic problems.

What's more, by combining spatial finite elements with temporal discretization, we can solve dynamic, non-linear thermal and mechanical problems.

Last but not least, external electrical...