Elmer Discussion Forum

hello
I am using save scalar solver with MagnetoDynamics Magnetodynamicscalcfields.
However while looking at the output i can see , the vector potential values at a specific node(node index 386) by notation
magnetic vector potential 1 at node 386
magnetic vector potential e 1 at node 386
can anybody specify which one is the vector potential value at this node and what other notation mean??

ravi11

Posts: 3
Joined: 24 May 2015, 04:02

Hi

The vector potential is not computed at nodes. Instead edge elements are used. For the lowest order edge element the degree of freedom is the projection of the vector potential in the direction of the edge. In order to display the edge elements in certain node one has to map them. This can be done either as as mapping (Hcurl -> H1) enforcing continuity, or by doing the map elementwise (_e fields) such that we use DG type of field that allow discontinuities over interfaces. Which is better depends what you need, and whether your have discontinuities in the real system that require preservation.

You should note that when computing derived fields including \curl operator the Hcurl presentation of vector potential is used directly. So at no stage is the vector potential at nodes used for postprocessing. Therefore it might not be enough to analyze the nodal vector potential and make critical judgement based on that alone.

-Peter