Coupled Electromagnetic–Structural–Thermal Simulations for Designing High-Current Pulse-Power Inductors for Pulse Shaping of High-Magnitude, Long-Duration Current Pulses

This paper deals with a detailed study of a specific configuration of high-current pulse-power inductors for applications involving pulse shaping of high-magnitude (> 100 kA), long-duration (a few ms) current pulses. In this configuration, a high-conductivity metallic enclosure is placed concentrically around the inductor coil which substantially reduces the disruptive magnetic forces generated in such inductors, thereby significantly increasing their current handling capacity. Coupled finite-element simulations involving electromagnetic, structural and thermal simulations of the inductor geometry have been carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0® to accurately predict the inductor behaviour during a high-current discharge and also to optimize the design parameters. To account for dynamic loading of the inductor geometry, Johnson–Cook plasticity model was employed in these simulations. Based on the frequency and transient simulations on the inductor geometry, various parameters and properties of these inductors have been explored. The variation of its inductance as a function of frequency has been explored in detail in this work.