Flux determination using finite elements: global vs. local calculation

• Main Authors: Ivica Kožar, Danila Lozzi-Kožar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering in Osijek 2017-01-01
• Series: Tehnički Vjesnik
• Subjects: boundary condition; finite element; flux determination; matrix formulation; nonlinear field problem; weak formulation
• Online Access: https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/257883
• ISSN: 1330-3651; 1848-6339

Finite difference procedures for flux determination are not well suited for application to field results obtained from finite element calculations. A novel method for flux calculation has been derived. This method is based on the weak formulation and is suitable for use with finite elements. A matrix formulation for local and global application to finite element formulations is presented. An additional benefit of the method is that Neumann boundary conditions can be easily incorporated in the finite element formulation of the nonlinear field problem. A comparison between the finite difference, Pade derivative and novel finite element procedures is demonstrated through one- and two-dimensional examples.