Improving the accuracy of time-harmonic FE simulations in induction heating applications: Towards better ferromagnetic material models

Abstract

Purpose

Surface heat treatment by induction heating (10-100 kHz) requires precise prediction and control of the depth of the induced phase transformation. This paper aims at identifying common issues with the measurement and modeling of magnetic properties used in induction heating simulations, and it proposes ways to improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

In particular, it is demonstrated how intrinsic magnetic properties (i.e. the B-H curve) of a sample can change during the magnetic characterization process itself, due to involuntary annealing of the sample. Then, for a B-H curve that is supposed perfectly known, a comparison is performed between multiple models, each one representing the magnetic properties of steel in time-harmonic (TH) finite element method simulations. Finally, a new model called “power-equivalent model” is proposed. This model provides the best possible accuracy for a known nonlinear and hysteretic B-H curve used in TH simulations.

Findings

By carefully following the guidelines identified in this paper, reduction of errors in the range of 5-10 per cent can be achieved, both at the experimental and modeling levels. The new “power-equivalent model” proposed is also expected to be more generic than existing models.

Originality/value

This paper highlights common pitfalls in the measurement and modeling of magnetic properties, and suggests ways to improve the situation.

Citation

McMeekin, K., Sirois, F., Tousignant, M. and Bocher, P. (2017), "Improving the accuracy of time-harmonic FE simulations in induction heating applications: Towards better ferromagnetic material models", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 526-534. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-05-2016-0203