bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Senior public librarians looking to the future
Authors: Mullins John , Linehan Margaret
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore senior public librarians' views on medium‐term and long‐term plans for the provision of library services. The paper also aims to extend work in the literature of public librarianship studies, which up to recently has largely been an under‐researched area.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 in‐depth interviews were conducted with senior public librarians in Ireland, the UK and the USA. A semi‐structured interview format was used, and the grounded theory approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Half of the contributors to the current study articulated that their five‐year vision would include the maintenance and development of the core services in which they were already engaged together with introducing innovative expansion of services. Of the respondents, 90 per cent expressed optimism for the survival of public library services through the middle of the twenty‐first century.

Practical implications

The librarians repeatedly made the case that they are very different from managers in the private sector and from other public sector managers. They believe that they are managers of institutions that are fundamentally making a difference to the lives of people. They also believe that they and their libraries are major catalysts of change in the social environments.

Originality/value

By locating this study in a transnational context, the study contributes in an innovative way to an under‐researched topic. The primary domain to which this study contributes is librarianship. Within the domain of librarianship, the specific focus is on senior management, addressing an acknowledged gap in that field, as the literature on librarianship has traditionally shown very little attention to management within librarianship.
Provision of research methods teaching in UK LIS departments
Authors: Morris Anne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To review the provision of research methods teaching across UK institutions teaching accredited information and/or library science postgraduate programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of institutional web sites was undertaken followed by telephone interviews with research method tutors. Information was obtained on what, how and when research methods are taught, the type of coursework expected, the usage of virtual learning environments and discussion boards, the key texts, electronic sources, other teaching materials recommended to students and the emphasis placed on quantitative versus qualitative methods.

Findings

All institutions in the UK teach research methods on LIS‐accredited programmes. Research methods modules have different weighting, are taught in various formats, short and fat, long and thin, and cover a variety of topics. Some tutors place more emphasis on qualitative techniques than qualitative methods, while for others it is the other way around. Most stress the practical side of doing research. The use of virtual learning environments and discussion boards feature prominently in some institutions for the teaching of research methods.

Research implications

This research will provide impetus for some institutions to modify their research methods teaching provision.

Originality/value

The sharing of knowledge and innovative teaching practices for research methods.
Bringing users back to the library: a case history
Authors: Gust Kara J. , Haka Clifford H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a description of renovation and promotional efforts applied by the Michigan State University Libraries during the 1990s in an attempt to bring users back into the physical library.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of specific steps taken by the Michigan State University Libraries to reorient and refurbish the first floor of its main library are described in detail and supported with evidence from other studies and library renovation projects. Each section focuses on a different aspect of the renovation: relocating reference, adding a café, adding new carpeting and furnishings, expanding library hours, providing alternatives for coming to the library, and greatly increasing computer technology.

Findings

Provides information about each step taken in the renovation project, along with considerations for taking each action. Recognizes that these actions may not ultimately alone result in increased patron usage of the library's physical location, but have increased patron activity and numbers in the MSU main library and have made it a more welcoming environment.

Practical implications

Provides very useful information for university library administrators who may be facing the challenges of declining library usage and looking for ways to encourage users back into the library through renovation or promotional means.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a need for practical solutions to administrators of large university libraries looking to make building improvements to increase both the usage and aesthetics of their library's physical space.
Exploring the wiki world: the new face of collaboration
Authors: Long Sarah Ann
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine a new collaborative electronic platform available to libraries of all types.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces potential application of wikis discussed by academics and librarians, along with personal viewpoint.

Findings

A wiki is a very good example of the best of democracy in which self‐organizing behavior enforces community norms. Typically, wikis are open to everyone and erroneous information could easily be entered, but they are monitored by dedicated members and information is corrected quickly. While viewed as a platform with many advantages for timely and efficient collaborative efforts, there is still a sense of lack of accountability and cumbersome technological hurdles.

Originality/value

Wikis offer the opportunity for wide project collaboration and the possibility of a better product in the end.
Assessing library performance with GIS and building evaluation methods
Authors: Preiser Wolfgang F.E. , Wang Xinhao
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to report on the methodological approach taken in a project which was to create a Facilities Master Plan for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County in the United States. Libraries are changing drastically: they function as community centers, where programs and classes are held; they provide access to the internet to socio‐economically weaker groups; and they accommodate the needs of different age groups, such as children, teens, adults and seniors.

Design/methodology/approach

Innovative in the approach to the project is the combination of geographic information system (GIS) and building performance evaluation (BPE) methods. This project assigned comprehensive scores for each of the libraries and grouped them into groups of high, medium and low performing libraries. The rankings are based on composite scores made up of eight weighted performance indicators: staff survey, facility evaluation, service area, usage, building, site, staffing output, and capacity. Project data are benchmarked and compared with those of library systems around the USA in similarly sized cities.

Findings

The outcomes of the project are recommendations, as well as medium‐ to long‐term projections, with primary emphasis on branch libraries. Specific recommendations for each branch focused on: needed improvements; closure and/or consolidation with other branch libraries; and the creation of new full‐service “hub” libraries.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this project include a rational decision making tool for library facility master planning in the future.

Originality/value

The data gathering and analysis approach applied in this project shows promise as an innovative way of combining quantitative and qualitative methods in evaluation research measuring library performance.
Employability skills: are UK LIM departments meeting employment needs?
Authors: Stephens Derek , Hamblin Yvonne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research paper describes the results of a survey of specialist UK library and information sector (LIS) employment agencies concerning employability of library and information management (LIM) graduates and introduces the follow‐up actions that are being undertaken to create new teaching materials that address their concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of four UK specialist employment agencies was undertaken in 2005 using semi‐structured interview schedules. The aim was to identify the various specific employability areas that recruiters felt were needed for 11 LIM sectors. Quantitative research of individual employers has been undertaken previously, but it was felt that agencies had a unique perspective of sector requirements. This was followed by visits to LIM academic departments to discuss whether the results matched the perceptions of academic staff.

Findings

It was clear that different LIM sectors had different emphasises in terms of the employability skills required. Second, the LIM departments visited also identified the desire to address gaps in provision of employability skills within curricula.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was a snapshot of perceptions in early 2005. The employment market is a fast‐changing environment and further follow‐up surveys annually might be valuable to establish trend lines. The research is qualitative and subjective in nature.

Originality/value

The paper describes how funding has been provided to empower LIM academics to create new teaching materials by buying their time out to address the gaps in available materials. In addition, these materials will be made freely available to the whole UK LIS sector and networks established to maintain them. Such co‐operation is unusual and could result in significant time savings in the preparation of teaching material and enhancement of graduates' readiness for employment.
SwissInfoDesk: the Virtual Reference Desk Project of the Swiss National Library
Authors: Accart Jean‐Philippe
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Libraries and librarians must adapt their services and products to the evolutions of the information society, and more precisely to users' needs. Virtual reference desks are new online services developed by libraries, and this paper aims to give the example of SwissInfoDesk, the VRD of the Swiss National Library, launched in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

After a short introduction on differences between virtual reference desks in North America and in Europe, the main approach is a focus on how SwissInfoDesk is built and developed, considering users' interests with a proposed list of topics on Switzerland.

Findings

The most significant differences between SwissInfoDesk and other VRDs are the multilingual aspects (four languages are represented) and the link between a directory of selected Swiss official websites and the reference desk itself.

Originality/value

SwissInfoDesk illustrates the ongoing changes in reference work and the new dimension of communication between information specialists and information‐seekers.
Meeting the challenges of expansion and renovation in an academic medical library
Authors: Lam Louisa M.C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To analyze the challenges encountered in the expansion and renovation of an academic medical library sited in an old teaching hospital administered by a government body, and the lessons learned for improving the future planning of renovation projects of medical libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience of the Li Ping Medical Library of The Chinese University of Hong Kong is used as a case study to illustrate the challenges encountered in various stages from planning to implementation.

Findings

The challenges included funding constraints, space limitations, abbreviated planning time, stakeholder agreements, structural problems of an old building with dated infrastructure and construction restrictions of a hospital environment. Seven tips to improve future planning of renovation are provided.

Originality/value

While many of the challenges are typical in any renovations project, they are only discussed piecemeal in the literature. This article deals with this topic extensively and will interest other medical librarians planning renovations in future.
The effectiveness of labour law: reflections based on the German experience
Authors: Weiss Manfred
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the effectiveness of labour law based on the experience of Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides an analysis of the factual impact of labour law in Germany.

Findings

Different subsystems – as are labour administration, labour court system, works council system, collective bargaining system and individual labour law protection – show deficiencies of factual implementation which are inherent to the structure of these subsystems and not easily to be changed. The most problematic area are small and medium‐sized enterprises where to a great extent works councils as internal monitors do not exist.

Originality/value

The paper offers some randomly selected examples to illustrate the problems at stake.
Regular rate of pay and the FLSA: why the determination of exempt status is not enough
Authors: Honorée André L. , Wyld David C. , Juban Rusty L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

As some time has passed since the enactment of the fairpay overtime initiative of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), confusion still persists regarding the overtime benefits of employees. This is evidenced by the increased level of litigation and class action lawsuits regarding overtime violations. This article attempts to help clarify for employers a number of key issues to consider in the proper classification of employees and calculation of overtime benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of the law and its ramifications, the authors expound upon their previous FLSA Compliance Model and detail the ramifications of numerous opinion letters from the US Department of Labor.

Findings

The specific impact of issues such as the use of non‐discretionary bonuses, stock options, and short call premiums are described to assist employers in the retroactive calculation of the overtime benefits for non‐exempt employees who receive non‐discretionary bonuses. The apparent contradictory positions regarding bonuses and stock options are highlighted, the proper manner to account for short call is addressed, and future directions for research are suggested.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance for employers to consider far more than just their non‐exempt employees’ hourly wage rate in the calculation of employees’ regular rate of pay in order to ensure proactive FLSA compliance.

Orginality/value

The value of this paper is that it highlights potential pitfalls for FLSA compliance to practicing managers and yields areas for further consideration by academics in the human resources field.
Network‐based strategy making for events tourism
Authors: Stokes Robyn
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to understand the inter‐organisational networks that influence events tourism strategy making by public‐sector event development agencies in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology of convergent interviews, followed by multiple case research across six Australian states and territories, was employed. The inter‐organisational relationships and networks of events agencies that impact on their strategy processes for events tourism were the “cases” in focus.

Findings

Strategies of a reactive‐proactive nature mostly guide events tourism development by Australia's corporatised event development agencies. These agencies maintain “soft”, loosely formed networks that consist of relatively stable clusters of intra‐governmental and corporate membership with a peripheral,ad hocmembership of other stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Although the paper studies perceptions of strategy making at a single point in time, it provides valuable insights into the public sector environment, institutional settings and key relationships that impact on events tourism strategies.

Practical implications

Event development agencies should consider how the unique requirements of event bidding, event development and expansion might facilitate different types of stakeholder engagement and network formation. Integration of regional, metropolitan and state strategies for events tourism may also widen the network of influence on strategies.

Originality/value

The paper informs public sector operatives establishing or managing event development agencies, where tourist generation is a primary marketing goal. It contributes new knowledge in a tourism field that is under‐researched.
Evaluating training courses: an exercise in social desirability?
Authors: Darby Jenny A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine factors which influence responses on open‐ended evaluations of training courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Course participants completed open‐ended evaluation forms about their experience on a course. These consisted of 377 senior teachers attending a training programme dealing with child abuse. The course was repeated 17 times. The second training programme concerned teaching skills. This was attended by 231 postgraduates. The course was repeated 25 times.

Findings

Responses on open‐ended evaluation forms tended to be favourable with reference to “human related factors” and unfavourable when referring to “hygiene factors”.

Practical implications

It is suggested the way people complete evaluation forms is partly a reflection of their desire to see themselves as acting in a socially desirable manner. Interpretations made from such forms about the effectiveness or merits of any course should take this into account.

Originality/value

Provides a lot more information about open‐ended evaluations than is provided in the research methods texts. It is suggested that those who use open‐ended evaluations need to be particularly careful when they interpret them.
Acting on frictions: learning blocks and flows in knowledge intensive organizations
Authors: Bijlsma‐Frankema Katinka , Rosendaal Bastiaan , Taminiau Yvette
Published: July 2006

Purpose

It is argued in this paper that opportunities for learning manifest themselves in the form of frictions between the structure‐as‐experienced by actors and the structure‐as‐preferred. These frictions are considered as potential triggers of learning processes. The concept of friction promises to contribute to our understanding of factors that trigger learning processes to develop, a matter that is scantly addressed so far in literature on organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Frictions are distinguished and analyzed in three case studies of learning processes within departments of knowledge‐intensive organizations. Six enabling conditions for organizational learning, proposed by Nonaka and Takeuchi are confronted with the findings in a comparison of the three cases.

Findings

The cases show that despite the eagerness to learn found within all three departments, learning processes varied from hardly developed to well developed. By tracing what happens with frictions found, insights are gained in organizational factors that enable or constrain specific (sequences of) learning activities to develop.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be context‐bound, because all three cases are embedded within the same nationwide institutional environment thus drawing on the same set of cultural rules. More research is needed, including cross‐cultural studies, to be able to generalize confidently on the findings presented in this paper.

Practical implications

By means of a clear vision top management can convince not only organizational members, but also middle managers of shared goals, a sense of urgency and of the actions that need to be taken including participation in learning processes across departments. Vision, hierarchy and rules and procedures should signal a consistent message to employees and managers alike.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a fresh approach to research on organizational learning processes by introducing the concept of frictions and by relating the analysis of frictions and learning processes to conditions that are proposed to enable or constrain these processes within organizations. This approach may therefore prove beneficial to practitioners as well.
The motivation of nurses to participate in continuing professional education in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Claire , Cross Christine , McGuire David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the extant literature on CPE amongst nurses and concentrate on discovering the factors that motivate and inhibit participation in CPE for nurses in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature was carried out on continuing professional development amongst nurses in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Australia. From this, research hypotheses were developed. The primary research concentrated on a cohort of practicing registered nurses participating in a CPE course at a third‐level institution in Ireland. A questionnaire was used that contained both open and closed‐ended questions.

Findings

The main barriers to participation in CPE were lack of employer support and the difficulty of balancing home‐life, work and study. The main motivators for participation in CPE were improving self‐esteem and confidence and the expectation of increased opportunities for promotion for those with higher educational qualifications.

Research limitations/implications

A relatively small non‐random sample was used. Therefore, the results may be generalized only with caution.

Practical implications

A number of implications for HRD practitioner emerged. These included overt recognition of prior ward‐based learning, increased financial support, increased study leave and the need for the HRD practitioner to champion the cause of CPE.

Originality/value

In order to ensure a highly efficient workforce, providing the highest possible standards of care to patients, the health sector needs its workforce to constantly update their knowledge and skills. Therefore it is an important time to consider the factors that aid and inhibit participation in CPE, a common method utilized to achieve this aim.
Application of circuit and field‐circuit methods in designing process of small induction motors with stator cores made from amorphous iron
Authors: Dems M. , Komeza K. , Wiak S. , Stec T. , Kikosicki M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the use of amorphous iron as the stator core material to increase the efficiency of electric machines in serialised production.

Design/methodology/approach

In the design process of a new structure for the induction motor with a stator core made from amorphous iron it is necessary to apply the circuit method and the field‐circuit method. The use of the circuit method allows quick calculations of many versions of the designed motor, but the use of the field‐circuit method is necessary for verification of the maximal value of the flux density in the entire area of the cross‐sections of the motor core.

Findings

A new construction for the small induction motor with the stator core made from amorphous iron was designed based on the classical structure of the four‐pole induction motor. In the designed motor a decrease of the electric energy costs was observed, which is much bigger than the material costs, and in effect lower total costs for the designed motor were obtained.

Practical implications

According to necessary changes in the motor construction, due to lower saturation limit for this material, the authors obtained a significant increase in the motor efficiency and a decrease in the total cost of the motor. The development of a new technology allows the cutting of amorphous magnetic materials and the production of electric motors from them.

Originality/value

This paper shows the possibility of using amorphous magnetic materials for stator core of small induction machines and the advantages of such construction for obtaining more efficient motor construction.
Accuracy analysis of the thrust force in 2D‐3D finite element models
Authors: Deliége G. , Henrotte F. , Hameyer K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the accuracy of the thrust force of a linear actuator computed with different finite elements models.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of 2D and 3D models corresponding to different levels of approximation of the original problem are considered. A reliable error estimator based on dual magnetostatic formulations is used.

Findings

A 3D model does not necessarily ensure more accurate results than a 2D model. Because of limitations on the number of mesh elements, the discretisation error in 3D can be of the same order of magnitude as the error introduced by the 2D approximation.

Originality/value

The results emphasise the need to consider errors arising from different simplifications with respect to one another, in order to avoid improvements of the model increasing the complexity but not improving the accuracy of the results.
Extraction of circuit parameters from time stepping FEM computation for coupled field‐circuit simulation
Authors: Kanerva S. , Arkkio A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a general method for coupled simulation of electrical machines and circuits, using finite element analysis and a circuit/system simulator.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrical machine is modelled by dynamic inductance and electromotive force (EMF), which are determined by finite element analysis and updated in time‐stepping procedure. Calculation of these parameters is based on current perturbations that are applied on linearized field equations after determining the operating point by nonlinear analysis.

Findings

Based on the case studies, the presented method can be utilized in coupled field‐circuit simulation and the results correlate with those obtained by other known methods. The results were also validated according to experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

Calculation of the EMF and the presented implementation for SIMULINK have some limitations regarding the accuracy and stability of the numerical integration. In the future, the numerical methods could be still improved and the implementations could be extended to other simulators.

Practical implications

Since the presented methodology is of a general type, the research provides means to include field‐circuit coupling into a variety of different simulation software.

Originality/value

Definitions of the circuit parameters differ from the conventional ones, as a result of which the parameter extraction can be performed in computation‐effective way. The benefits of the research are met widely, since the general‐purpose methodology is not limited to any single software.
Coupled field, circuit and mechanical modelling of wind‐turbine
Authors: Haniotis A. , Kladas A. , Tegopoulos J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To identify interactions existing between electromagnetic, electric and mechanical phenomena in variable speed permanent generator wind‐turbines and propose a methodology enabling oscillations analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation of the accuracy of alternative approaches such as traditional fundamental and higher harmonic representation as well as coupled field, circuit and mechanical techniques based on the finite element method to represent such phenomena.

Findings

Low frequency oscillations observed experimentally necessitate strong coupling between electromagnetic, electrical and mechanical phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

The techniques adopted are limited to two‐dimensional configurations, while possible three‐dimensional air‐gap eccentricity is not considered.

Practical implications

Special consideration should be paid by the wind turbine controller to attenuate the studied oscillations.

Originality/value

Development of an adequate modelling methodology enabling consideration of low frequency oscillations.
A simplified approach to permanent magnet and reluctance motor characteristics determination by finite‐element methods
Authors: Reichert Konrad
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a new method for the determination of motor characteristics by means of FE‐methods suitable for multi‐variable design processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The process is based on two‐dimensional, steady state and frequency domain FE‐analysis including a stepwise movement of the rotor. The process consists of the following steps: generation of an appropriate FE‐model with specific mesh generation; input of the machines parameters and the parameters of the simulation process; no load simulation: cogging torque T, no load fluxes ψmo and voltages uo and the phase angles of the windings currents; load simulation with given currents: average and the pulsating torque T, fluxes ψl(α), voltages U, two‐axis model parameters ψm, Ld and Lq; determination of operating characteristics: torque T, voltage U, current I, power P, angles β and δ cos ϕ, as functions of speed n. Based on machine parameters from step 3 and 4 determination of losses in the magnets by means of a frequency domain model and the fluxes in the magnet from steps 3 and 4.

Findings

Special attention has to be given to the mesh design. The mesh configuration should be kept constant during the movement. Motor parameters are determined for one operating point. The process is very fast and accurate enough ( < errors) for design purposes.

Practical implications

It is shown how FE‐methods can be used in motor design, avoiding time‐consuming transient simulations.

Originality/value

It is a new and very efficient FE‐process for motor design.
Simulation and experimentation of a single‐phase claw‐pole motor
Authors: Reinap A. , Alaküla M. , Nord G. , Hultman L.O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate theoretically and experimentally the static and dynamic characteristics of a single‐phase claw‐pole motor using soft magnetic composite (SMC) for the stator core.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the static characteristics, which are measured and obtained from a series of 3D FE magnetostatic solutions, the dynamic characteristics are simulated according to a proposed control strategy. The same strategy is tested in dSpace control environment. Apart from the evaluation of the prototype SMC motor, some study has been made in order to improve the existing motor design.

Findings

The static characteristics of the single‐phase claw‐pole motor have been modelled in 3D FE magnetostatic solver, where the rotor position and stator current have been changed. The characteristics compare well with the measurements, while the discrepancy with the cogging torque waveform needs further analyses and experiments to explain the real magnetization pattern of the plastic bounded ferrite magnet‐ring and the influence of magnetic hysteresis. The 3D FE magnetostatic optimization routine shows the maximum quantities for magnetic coupling and static core loss. Furthermore it is used to obtain the improved pole distribution so that the resting position of the unexcited motor co‐aligns at the position of the maximum electromagnetical torque. This is achieved by changing the angular width of claw‐poles. The specific output of the maximum coupling torque from the single‐phase claw‐pole motor can be increased from the recent 0.1 to 0.6 Nm/kg at a temperature rise of 60°. The simulations of dynamical characteristics show a good correlation with the experiments where the same control system in Simulink is applied to the prototype via dSpace. It is practically easier to implement a simple control strategy for the direct current controlled voltage source inverter. A more advantageous control system needs to be applied for the sampled current controller.

Research limitations/implications

The influence of the magnetization of a multi‐pole magnet ring is not considered while computing the static characteristics in 3D FE magnetostatic solver.

Practical implications

The evaluation of the realistic magnetization pattern in the magnet aggravates the proper theoretical evaluation of static characteristics.

Originality/value

The design of a small size powder core motor is faced with the complexity of evaluating properly the static characteristics, while the magnetization pattern is not exactly known. The broad search here is for an efficient tool to visualize the output of the 3D FE optimization for an improved design.
Stator optimization of six‐phase claw‐pole alternators using asymmetric winding arrangements
Authors: Schulte S. , Kaehler C. , Schlensok C. , Henneberger G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present a new approach for improvement and optimization of synchronous claw‐pole alternators without changing the general machine design.

Design/methodology/approach

Various changes on the magnetically relevant parts of the machine design have been discussed formerly to achieve improved electromagnetic and acoustic behavior. The electrical part of the machine is considered in this paper, varying the stator winding arrangement to achieve optimized behavior.

Findings

Provides information about motivation and the methodology of the optimization process. Presents the entire analysis, covering idea, technical and computational implementation as well as verification.

Research limitations/implications

It describes a method based on the utilization of specific, partly self‐generated software, which perhaps limits its usefulness if mentioned tools are unavailable. However, the presented basic method is to be used generally.

Originality/value

This paper presents a promising approach to further optimize the design of synchronous claw‐pole alternators without major changes in the machine design.
Sliding‐surface interface conditions for 3D machine models discretised by the finite integration technique
Authors: Ion Mariana , De Gersem Herbert , Wilke Markus , Weiland Thomas
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To propose trigonometric interpolation in combination with the sliding‐surface technique for modeling rotation in electrical machine models discretised by the finite integration technique (FIT).

Design/methodology/approach

Locked‐step, linear and trigonometric interpolation techniques are developed for coupling the stator and rotor model parts of an electrical machine model.

Findings

Linear and trigonometric interpolation should be preferred over the locked‐step approach. Three‐machine models with sliding‐surface coupling discretised by the FIT result in efficient and reliable models.

Originality/value

The introduction of sliding‐surface techniques in the FIT, the trigonometric interpolation used in combination, the application of the FIT for simulating electrical machines.
3D nonlinear transient finite element analysis of eddy currents in the stator clamping system of large hydro generators
Authors: Schmidt Erich , Traxler‐Samek Georg , Schwery Alexander
Published: July 2006

Purpose

An accurate calculation of eddy current losses in the stator clamping parts of large hydro generators is a matter of particular interest with the initial design and the design optimization because they can reach high values and produce local thermal hot‐spots due to the non‐linear magnetic behaviour of the clamping plate.

Design/methodology/approach

With a fully 3D approach of the generator pole pitch, both time‐harmonic and non‐linear transient finite element analyses are carried out for the eddy currents using a magnetic vector potential formulation.

Findings

With the introduction of a novel modelling strategy for the non‐linear clamping plate, the total eddy current losses evaluated from both analysis methods show a good agreement. Nevertheless, the time‐harmonic solution in comparison with the non‐linear transient solution yields different local eddy current distributions in particular with the clamping plate.

Research limitations/implications

The presented analyses use only the fundamental harmonic in the end region field. Further research will need to be carried out for the influence of the higher harmonics in the end region field and again the comparison of both analysis methods.

Practical implications

With the intention of including the numerical analyses with design review and design optimization of the generators, the results obtained from both analysis methods are compared regarding the total eddy current losses as well as their local distributions.

Originality/value

With a fully 3D approach of the generator pole pitch, second order pentahedral and hexahedral edge elements are introduced with both time‐harmonic and non‐linear transient eddy current finite element analyses.
Inclusion of inter‐bar currents in multi‐slice FE modelling of induction motors – influence of inter‐bar resistance and skew discretisation
Authors: Gyselinck J. , López‐Fernández X.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study the inclusion of inter‐bar (IB) currents in a multi‐slice finite element (FE) model of induction motors and in particular the effect of the associated skew discretisation. To validate the model experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

Both a classical uniform distribution and a gauss distribution of the slices and the lumped IB resistances are considered. Measurements on a 3 kW induction motor allows one to estimate its IB resistance and to validate the FE model.

Findings

A gauss distribution of the slices allows one to use fewer slices and thus reduces the computational cost. The simulation results show that, at full load, skew changes the different loss components significantly, while the IB currents have a minor effect.

Research limitations/implications

The direct measurement of the IB resistance is by no means trivial. In the frame of this paper, it was indirectly determined, namely by means of a short‐circuit test.

Originality/value

The gauss distribution of the slices and the IB resistance; the systematic study of the skew discretisation; the experimental determination of the IB resistance.
Eddy current heating in large salient pole generators
Authors: Riley C.P. , Michaelides A.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate pole face heating in large, salient pole generators and establish a modelling procedure for accurate rotor pole heat loss computation using finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element‐based simulations of the dynamic electromagnetic problem in an idealized 60 Hz, six‐pole, three‐phase generator were carried out, including coupling to three‐dimensional finite element thermal analysis.

Findings

The effect of trailing pole face heating was effectively demonstrated. Accurate estimates of the ventilation and convective cooling were shown to be particularly important.

Research limitations/implications

Accurate heat transfer values could only be obtained using a very sophisticated model in a computational fluid dynamics analysis software package. The complexity of the stator end winding alone makes this a daunting challenge, without the inclusion of the rotation effects and stator cooling ducts. At this stage, it was deemed more useful to use the thermal analysis to observe trends.

Practical implications

Three‐dimensional effects are significant and require modelling. However, obtaining steady state behaviour using a 3D analysis is probably not viable yet. The synchronous operating conditions were obtained from a two‐dimensional analysis and used as the initial conditions for a full 3D analysis.

Originality/value

The paper has helped to enhance the understanding of pole face heat loss in large salient pole synchronous generators, fully examining the mechanisms causing the heating. A complete procedure to achieve this task in a realistic time frame using sophisticated finite element analysis tools has been proposed.
Representation of permanent magnet brushless machine by means of orthogonal functions
Authors: Witczak Paweł , Wawrzyniak Beata , Napieralska‐Juszczak Ewa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a fast and accurate method of calculation of permanent magnet machines.

Design/methodology/approach

Presently two ways exist of modeling of synchronous machines – the classic one, when the concept of inductances Ldand Lqis used and the numerical, time‐stepping approach. The first cannot account for precisely the saturation effects, while the second one is highly time consuming. Proposed algorithm replaces inductances by the distributions of flux densities, which were used for their definition, obtained from finite element solutions. Mathematically, the analysis is converted from the space of trigonometric functions to the more general space of periodic functions.

Findings

The compact algorithm of analysis has been found, making it possible to extend its application to other types of machines.

Research limitations/implications

Validation of the proposed method was done only by cross‐checking with integral parameters coming from finite element solution.

Practical implications

A potentially useful idea of representation of an electric machine for control purposes.

Originality/value

The paper presents original concept of the new approach for the representation of electric machines. Parts of that methodology were discussed among specialists during two international conferences and received positive views.
Accuracy improvement in nonlinear magnetostatic field computations with integral equation methods and indirect total scalar potential formulations
Authors: Hafla Wolfgang , Buchau André , Rucker Wolfgang M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to solve nonlinear magnetostatic field problems with the integral equation method and different indirect formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

To avoid large cancellation errors in cases where the demagnetizing field is high a difference field concept is used. This requires the computation of sources of the scalar potential of the excitation field.

Findings

A new formulation to compute these sources is presented. The improved computational accuracy is demonstrated with numerical examples.

Originality/value

The paper develops a novel formulation for the computation of sources of scalar excitation potential.
Magneto‐electric network models in electromagnetism
Authors: Demenko Andrzej , Sykulski Jan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop network models of an electromagnetic field containing both eddy and displacement currents. The proposed network models provide good physical insight, help understanding of complicated electromagnetic phenomena and aid explanation of methods of analysis of electromagnetic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The models consist of magnetic and electric networks coupled via sources. The analogy between the finite element method and the loop and nodal formulations of electric circuits is emphasised. The models include networks containing branches associated with element edges (edge networks) or facets (facet networks).

Findings

Methods of determining mmf sources of magnetic networks from loop and branch currents in electric circuits, as well as emf sources in electric networks on the basis of the rate of change of loop and branch fluxes in electric networks, have been carefully considered. The models are general and allow creation of networks of electromagnetic systems containing non‐homogenous materials and multiply‐connected conducting regions.

Originality/value

The presented analogies between the finite element formulation and the equivalent network models not only facilitate understanding of the methods of field analysis but also help to formulate efficient computational algorithms.
Reconstruction of crack profile using fuzzy logic
Authors: Sikora Ryszard , Baniukiewicz Piotr
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to develop an algorithm based on fuzzy logic (FL) systems for reconstructing cracks shapes, which will be faster and simpler to learn than neural networks, especially in case of large training set.

Design/methodology/approach

The inverse model in defectoscopy can be considered as reverse model of the whole measurement process (crack‐sensor‐output). The most important disadvantage of the inverse neural models with dynamic networks is that the performance of training is disappointing due to large training set and many inputs of such networks. The paper proposes the FL as the substitute of neural network. The typical ANFIS networks are sufficient only for simulating systems with small number of inputs. For this reason the paper developed the learning algorithm that produces relatively small number of rules and it can be used in case of systems with hundred of inputs and thousands of training pairs.

Findings

This paper provides details about algorithm for reconstructing cracks profiles that produces relatively small number of rules of the fuzzy system. The basis rule of inverse model with moving window for one‐ and multi‐frequency method is described. The results of profile identification in 2D and 3D space for real and simulated data are presented as well.

Originality/value

Generally, the algorithm proposed in this paper can be widely used for simulating multi‐input systems, which are described by a large training set.
Computation of general nonstationary 2D eddy currents in linear moving arrangements using integrodifferential approach
Authors: Karban Pavel , Doležel Ivo , Šolín Pavel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Most eddy current problems are solved using numerical schemes based on the differential approach. Nevertheless, there exist several classes of tasks where use of this approach may be complicated (problems characterized by geometrical incommensurability of individual subdomains, motion, etc.). In such cases, application of the integrodifferential approach may be an advantage. The paper seeks to present the theoretical background of the method.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model consists of a system of integrodifferential equations for current densities in electrically conductive domains.

Findings

The methodology is illustrated on an example. All computations are realized by a code developed and written by the authors.

Originality/value

The presented algorithm based on the integrodifferential approach makes it possible to solve problems that are only hardly solvable by classical differential methods.
Absorbing boundary conditions for compact modeling of on‐chip passive structures
Authors: Ioan Daniel , Ciuprina Gabriela , Radulescu Marius
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper has the purpose of proposing a new open boundary condition to be used in conjunction with the finite integration technique (FIT) for the modelling of passive on‐chip components.

Design/methodology/approach

This boundary condition is ensured by using a virtual layer that surrounds the computational domain.

Findings

The paper proves which are the optimal material properties of the equivalent layer of open boundary.

Practical implications

When modelling passive on‐chip components with FIT, the method proposed is more efficient than the strategic dual image technique.

Originality/value

The paper shows the advantage of this approach – that the analysis algorithm remains unchanged, while saving the field‐circuit compatibility properties, such as current conservation.