Magnet design and optimization: The INFN-Genova experience using ANSYS

ANSYS is a general purpose finite element code that can be used to obtain solutions to a large class of engineering problems involving stress analysis, heat transfer, electromagnetism, fluid flow, as well as many coupled field analyses in one, two or three dimensions. ANSYS is thoroughly effective in tackling all the problems that can be classically dealt with a finite element code. For this reason, the INFN-Genova group adopted ANSYS in 1994, and then followed its evolution and innovation. This paper will highlight the ANSYS most distinguishing features we found out in the last years while designing magnets and electromagnetic devices.