Modelling of magnetic anisotropy in the finite element method

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present an approach, able to deal with different models for anisotropy in the finite element method, and how it can be integrated in its formulation.Design/methodology/approach – This approach is to apply this to the study of power transformers, in which grain‐oriented steel sheets are usually used. In this type of analysis, magnetic characteristics of the steel sheets such as non‐linearity and anisotropy, or even the hysteresis, must be taken into account.Findings – The Newton‐Raphson method is generally used to solve the system of equations, but it is a CPU‐time‐consuming task, especially when finite element models and circuit equations are coupled and therefore, time is considered in the analysis.Originality/value – An approach able to deal with different models for anisotropy in the finite element method is presented.