Structural Coupling in EMWORKS

Structural Coupling in EMWORKS

Structural coupling in EMWORKS links electromagnetic solvers with mechanical stress/deflection analysis. It lets you transfer electromagnetic forces, pressures, and losses to a structural or thermal–structural model to evaluate deformation, stress, and fatigue.

Typical use:

• Map magnetic, electric, or Lorentz forces from EM analysis onto solid bodies

• Compute resulting displacement, stress, strain, and safety factors

• Assess stiffness, deformation, and contact behavior under electromagnetic loading

Features of Structural Coupling with EMWORKS

• Electromagnetic → structural load transfer
  Map magnetic, electric, or Lorentz forces and pressures from EM analysis onto solid bodies or assemblies.

• Static and modal stress analysis
  Compute displacement, stress, strain, safety factor, and natural frequencies under electromagnetic loading.

• Thermo-mechanical coupling
  Use EM losses (J·E, core loss, dielectric loss) as heat sources and evaluate thermally induced deformation and stress.

• Multiphysics workflow
  Electromagnetic → thermal → structural chaining in one environment for consistent geometry, mesh, and materials.

• Material and geometry checks
  Compare alternative materials and cross-sections against stress limits, stiffness targets, and fatigue constraints.

Applications of Structural Coupling

Typical use cases:

• Electric machines (motors, generators)
  Magnetic forces on teeth, yokes, and rotors; deformation, vibration, and noise risk.

• Transformers and reactors
  Core and winding forces under load, inrush, and short-circuit; clamping stress and tank loading.

• Solenoids and actuators
  Plunger/armature forces, contact impact, and housing deformation during operation.

• Busbars, conductors, and rails
  Electrodynamic forces under fault currents; mechanical support and bracing requirements.

• Magnetic bearings and levitation systems
  Stiffness, deflection, and stress in rotor and stator parts under electromagnetic loads.

• High-power and HV equipment
  Structural impact of electromagnetic forces and thermal expansion in switchgear, HV terminals, and clamps.

Results of Structural Coupling with EMWORKS

After running a study with the structural solution option, the following structural quantities can be visualized:

Displacement

Ux : Displacement in x direction
Uy : Displacement in y direction
Uz : Displacement in z direction
Ur : The resultant displacement

Stress

Von Mises Stress
SXX : Normal stress in the X direction
SYY : Normal stress in the Y direction
SZZ : Normal stress in the Z direction
SXY : Shear stress in the Y in the YZ plane
SYZ : Shear stress in the Z in the XZ plane
SZX : Shear stress in the Z in the YZ plane
PS1 : First principal stress
PS2 : Second principal stress
PS3 : Third principal stress
Stress intensity (P1-P3)

Strain

Von Mises Strain
EXX : Normal strain in the X direction
EYY : Normal strain in the Y direction
EZZ : Normal strain in the Z direction
EXY : Shear strain  in the Y in the YZ plane
EYZ : Shear strain in the Z in the XZ plane
EZX : Shear strain in the Z in the YZ plane
PE1 : First principal strain
PE2 : Second principal strain
PE3 : Third principal strain
Tresca

Reaction Force

RFX : Reaction Force in the X direction
RFY : Reaction Force in the Y direction
RFZ : Reaction Force in the Z direction

3D Safety Factor

Von Mises Stress Failure Criterion
Maximum shear stress Failure Criterion
Maximum Normal Stress Failure Criterion
Mohr Coulomb Failure Criterion