Higher-order finite element modeling of rotational induction heating of nonferromagnetic cylindrical billets

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology of high-precision finite element modeling of induction heating of rotating nonferromagnetic cylindrical billets in static magnetic field produced by appropriately arranged permanent magnets. Design/methodology/approach - The mathematical model consisting of two partial differential equations describing the distribution of the magnetic and temperature fields are solved by a fully adaptive higher-order finite element method in the monolithic formulation and selected results are validated experimentally. Findings - The method of solution realized by own code is very fast, robust and exhibits much more powerful features when compared with classical low-order numerical methods implemented in existing commercial codes. Research limitations/implications - For sufficiently long arrangements the method provides good results even for 2D model. The principal limitation consists in problems with determining correct boundary conditions for the temperature field (generalized coefficient of convective heat transfer as a function of the temperature and revolutions). Practical implications - The methodology can successfully be used for design of devices for induction heating of cylindrical nonmagnetic bodies by rotation and determination of their operation parameters. Originality/value - The paper is a presentation of the fully adaptive higher-order finite element and its utilization for a monolithic numerical solution of a relatively complicated coupled problem.