TY - JOUR

T1 - The application of parametric 3D finite element modelling techniques to evaluate the performance of a magnetic sensor system.

AU - Johnstone, S.

AU - Peyton, A. J.

PY - 2001/9/30

Y1 - 2001/9/30

N2 - This paper describes the application of parametric three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis techniques to accurately model the response of a new industrial electromagnetic sensing system. The study focuses on a magnetic transformation detector for hot steel strip, which is capable of measuring the austenite-to-ferrite phase transformation fraction of hot steel on-line as the material cools below the Curie temperature. This sensor presents several challenges with regard to modelling its response. First, small changes (0.3 mT) in the measured magnetic field must be detected against a much larger background value (160 mT). Second, the response of the sensor to variation in lift-off must be accurately determined so that changes in lift-off could be subsequently rejected using an appropriate compensation algorithm. Finally, an accurate model (error <0.2%) of the sensor was essential to avoid the need for extensive laboratory testing. The paper describes a number of approaches to address these issues. The paper presents an overview of the sensor and its application, together with a summary of the models used. A number of different approaches were used to improve the accuracy of the modelling process including, mesh configurations, model definition and output calibration, which are also described. Outputs from the model are then compared with the measurement values. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using calibrated simulations to describe the response of the sensor to the required accuracy and repeatability for symmetrical geometries. Further work is needed to assess the feasibility of the calibration method for more complex systems.

AB - This paper describes the application of parametric three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis techniques to accurately model the response of a new industrial electromagnetic sensing system. The study focuses on a magnetic transformation detector for hot steel strip, which is capable of measuring the austenite-to-ferrite phase transformation fraction of hot steel on-line as the material cools below the Curie temperature. This sensor presents several challenges with regard to modelling its response. First, small changes (0.3 mT) in the measured magnetic field must be detected against a much larger background value (160 mT). Second, the response of the sensor to variation in lift-off must be accurately determined so that changes in lift-off could be subsequently rejected using an appropriate compensation algorithm. Finally, an accurate model (error <0.2%) of the sensor was essential to avoid the need for extensive laboratory testing. The paper describes a number of approaches to address these issues. The paper presents an overview of the sensor and its application, together with a summary of the models used. A number of different approaches were used to improve the accuracy of the modelling process including, mesh configurations, model definition and output calibration, which are also described. Outputs from the model are then compared with the measurement values. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using calibrated simulations to describe the response of the sensor to the required accuracy and repeatability for symmetrical geometries. Further work is needed to assess the feasibility of the calibration method for more complex systems.

KW - Finite element

KW - Phase transformation

KW - Steel

KW - Electromagnetic

U2 - 10.1016/S0924-4247(01)00647-1

DO - 10.1016/S0924-4247(01)00647-1

M3 - Journal article

VL - 93

SP - 109

EP - 116

JO - Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

JF - Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

SN - 0924-4247

IS - 2

ER -