Multi-Physics Modelling and Simulation

The prime focus is on the resolution of 2D and 3D low-frequency electromagnetic problems by means of the finite-element method and the ONELAB open-source software, but other physics and modelling methods are dealt with. See the list below.
 

Scope of the course:

• physics covered: electromagnetics (electrokinetics, magnetostatics, magnetodynamics), thermics (heat conduction), elasticity, and their coupling, plus optimisation

• modelling methods: mostly the finite-element (FE) method, but also finite-difference and equivalent-circuit modelling, and analytical resolution

• space dimensions: 1D, 2D and 3D problems

• time dimension: static, time-stepping, phasor-based and eigenvalue problems

Used Software:

• ONELAB, Open Numerical Engineering LABoratory, http://onelab.info/

• Gmsh, A three-dimensional finite element mesh generator with built-in pre- and post-processing facilities, https://gmsh.info/

• GetDP, FE solver, A General Environment for the Treatment of Discrete Problems, https://getdp.info/, https://gitlab.onelab.info/getdp/getdp

• Atom, A hackable text editor for the 21st Century, https://atom.io/

• have a general overview of the various numerical and analytical methods that are available and commonly used to solve PDEs and boundary-value problems

• understand the mathematical basis of these methods

• revise the various physics and related material modelling

• use extensively the open-source ONELAB/Gmsh/GetDP software and appreciate its great flexibility

• become aware of and critical about various practical issues, e.g. mesh density and accuracy

• lectures, with live demonstration of the software and active participation of the students

• exercises and tests with the software

Contribution to the teaching profile

This teaching unit contributes to the following competences:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes

• Has a broad scientific knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to design, produce and maintain complex mechanical, electrical and/or energy systems with a focus on products, systems and services.

Contacts

Johan Gyselinck, johan.gyselinck@ulb.be
BEAMS department, Electrical Energy research unit, ULB
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mV_VDDsAAAAJ&hl=en

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• Practice work
• written examination

Practice work

written examination

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Written exam in January/September, with questions on theory and application (around 50% of the grade), and with exercises using the software (around 50% of the grade).

Language(s) of evaluation

• english