There are many people using Elmer nowadays for modeling 2D electrical machines. One good starting point here is the great tutorial by Pavel Ponomarev.
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... e_Tutorial
Since those years many things have evolved. The examples should be working since we try to honor backward compatibility but there are some things that can be done also a little differently, usually faster. Here are some random tips:
- There is a modernized version of assembly routine in MagnetoDynamics2D that works for most features. It saves a little time in assmebly of linear systems. You can try to change it by simple saying in Solver section "Handle Assembly = Logical True".
- Symmetry conditions are usually done with "Mortar BC = Integer" + "(Anti) Radial Projector = True". This adds constraint for the system matrix increasint its size and making it more difficult to solve. You can also use elimination if, and only if, the matrix is conforming. The instead of mortar bc use "Conforing BC = Integer" and in Solver section add "Apply Conforming BCs = True". You should see less linear system iterations if succesfull. For direct solver the effect is marginal. But this could be the feature that makes the iterative solvers beat the direct ones.
- The rotation is usually done with RigidMeshMapper. This is perfectly fine and gives best visualization as the mesh is really rotating. However, there is the possibility that you also add to the rotational boundary the same keyword "Mesh Rotate 3" and can comment it out for the RigidMeshMapper. The good thing with this is that the actual mesh is no longer being rotated, just the temporal interface mesh, so you don't have to rotate the permanent magnets as they have constant orientation. Using MATC to rotate the magnets can really kill your performce. This is the easiest way to get rid of those MATC declarations and doesn't even involve coding. Also without the magnets it could be a little faster.
Would there be interest in forming some kind of special interest group for people studying these machines? This will be one focus area of Elmer also in coming years.
-Peter