Electric Conduction and DC Current Flow Analysis

Key Features of EMWORKS Electric Conduction Analysis

1. 1

   Steady-state conduction in CAD: Solves DC / steady-state current flow in conductors directly on CAD geometry.

2. 2

   Current density and current paths: Computes current density distribution and main current paths in busbars, cables, PCB traces, and contacts.

3. 3

   Resistance and voltage drop: Evaluates conductor resistance and voltage drop for individual parts or complete conduction paths.

4. 4

   Joule (I²R) losses: Calculates ohmic losses and total power dissipation in conductors.

5. 5

   Heat generation for electro-thermal coupling: Exports loss distributions as heat sources for subsequent thermal analysis.

6. 6

   Parametric studies: Supports geometry, material, and excitation sweeps to study their effect on current, resistance, and losses.

Applications of Electric Conduction Analysis

• Busbars and power distribution – DC resistance, current density, hot spots, I²R losses.

• Cables and harnesses – voltage drop, ampacity, joint and contact heating.

• Connectors, terminals, contactors – contact resistance and local temperature rise.

• PCB traces, shunts, and resistors – current sharing, I²R losses, sensing accuracy.

• Fuses – current density and melting behavior under overcurrent conditions.

• Battery packs and EV power paths – current balance in parallel paths, busbar losses.

• Power converters and inverters – conduction losses in links, filters, and internal conductors.

• Switchgear, transformers, and electric machines – conductor and winding losses, current distribution.

Results of Electric Conduction Analysis

For each study, Electric Conduction Analysis typically provides: