Composite plates subjected to electromagnetic field

Plates subjected to large current densities produce electromagnetic field that can alter its structural response. To explore the possibilities, a Mindlin plate element subjected to electric currents and magnetic field was developed. The electric currents produce magnetic fields as well as Joule heating. The magnetic field produced by the currents as well as the externally applied magnetic fields produce damping in the plate. Furthermore, stresses induced in the plate due to the electro-magnetic field can affect its mechanical response. When the currents and magnetic fields are steady, the electrostatic and magnetostatic phenomena are decoupled but due to Lorentz's forces there is a coupling between these fields and the structural response of the plate. There is also a coupling between the electric currents and thermal affects associated with Joule heating. Numerical simulations using finite element analysis were performed to study these interacting phenomena.