E-Machine Geometry

The .xgdf file can contain the full geometry of the machine or a symmetrical sector that uses the machine symmetries. During the import process, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ creates a 3D-CAD model of the imported machine and corresponding geometry parts.

3D-CAD Model

Simcenter STAR-CCM+ creates a single 3D-CAD model with two body groups. Both body groups represent the geometry of the imported machine but are suitable for different types of analysis:
  • EMAG Parts body group: the geometry is created as a thin slice suitable for 2D meshing. You can use this geometry in transient or steady, two-dimensional, electromagnetic simulations.
  • Thermal Model body group: the geometry is a fully three-dimensional model suitable for a steady thermal analysis.
EMAG Parts Thermal Model




The main body groups are subdivided into smaller body groups such as rotor, stator, magnets, and coils, based on the geometry defined in the imported file. Rotor and stator components are grouped under Basic Bodies. To separate the rotating domain from the stationary one, the external air domain is split into two parts, Exterior (Inner) and Exterior (Outer).

In the EMAG Parts body group, the conducting stator coil bodies are separated based on current flow direction and grouped under Stator Coils. In the Thermal Model body group, stator coil bodies are converted into three-dimensional winding bodies and grouped under Stator Windings.

In 3D-CAD, you can view the 3D-CAD construction steps under the Features node.

Metadata

For each 3D-CAD body node and part node, the Metadata property displays some of the settings defined in the .xgdf file, including:
  • GroupNumber: specifies whether the component rotates (0) or is stationary (1).
  • MaterialNumber: identifies the material. Valid values are:

Magnets under the EMAG Parts node have additional metadata, such as:
  • Radial: specifies whether magnets are radial (0) or parallel (1).
  • Br, Bt: specifies magnetization direction for radial magnets.
  • Bx, By: specifies magnetization direction for parallel magnets.
  • Angle: magnet orientation angle to specify magnetization direction.
  • Mur: magnetization permeability ratio with respect to free space.
Stator coils under the EMAG Parts node have additional metadata, such as:
  • LocalDirectionField: specifies the axial direction of the supplied current.
  • Phase: specifies the phase number of the supplied current.
Additional metadata is provided under the EMAG Parts body group node. Settings displayed here include:
  • Operating conditions such as machine speed.
  • Motor specifications such as the number of poles or coil slots.
  • Geometric quantities such as stack length, machine radii, and air gap size.

Parts

During import, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ also converts 3D-CAD bodies into geometry parts. The composite part structure under the Parts node follows the body group structure created in 3D-CAD.

Geometry Scenes

During import, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ automatically creates geometry scenes that display the EMAG Parts and Thermal Model geometries.