Problem-oriented adaptive mesh-generation for accurate finite-element calculation

Various sources of error in the finite-element method are examined. It is shown that the approximation of the vector potential, the discretization of the mesh, and the boundary discontinuity of H/sub t/ can have a great influence on the accuracy of different quantities. Local and integral quantities on the derivative of the potential, such as forces and torques, are especially affected. To reduce these errors higher-order elements or adaptive mesh refinement processes can be used. A method is developed which uses a local adaptive refinement technique in the important region. >