Finite-element analysis of magnetoelastic plate problems

Magnetic forces acting on conducting metal structures are significant in the design of such devices as fusion reactors, magnetohydrodynamic generators, magnetically levitated vehicles, magnetic forming devices, and various electric machines. The magnetic loads on these structures may be pulsed or cyclical and arise from the interaction between the induced eddy currents in the conductor and the externally applied magnetic fields. Moreover, the velocity and finite deformation of the conducting structure may interact with the electromagnetic fields to yield a coupled problem. This thesis presents an integrated study of magnetoelasticity problems for thin nonferrous conducting plates. Three phases of the study have been emphasized: theoretical modelling of interaction problems. Finite element eddy current calculations for rigid conducting plates, and finite element numerical studies of coupled magnetoelastic problems. Experimental results by others and analytical solutions for limiting cases have been used to verify the numerical results obtained at each stage of the investigation. The Fortran programs developed for each part of the study are also described