Numerical Methods in Micromagnetics (Finite Element Method)

Abstract Micromagnetic simulations provide guidelines for the development of composite magnetic materials and magnetic devices. The granular structure of a material and the magnetic interactions between the different magnetic parts of a device can be easily taken into account by the finite element method and the boundary element method, respectively. The finite element equations are derived for the calculation of the magnetostatic field. Similarly, it is shown how the total energy of a magnetic system can be computed by matrix‐vector operations. Efficient methods for calculating equilibrium magnetic states and the simulation of the dynamic response of a magnetic material to a time varying external field are discussed. Numerical schemes for the simulation of magnetization dynamics in systems involving moving parts are introduced. The numerical methods are demonstrated by showing results of perpendicular magnetic recording simulation on composite media.