OPERA-2d and OPERA-3d for Electromagnetic Simulation

Opera is an electromagnetic simulation tool from 'Vector Fields', a company specialized in producing advanced software for modeling and analyzing electromagnetic equipment and effects. Opera provides the complete toolchain for electromagnetic design, simulation and analysis of results, for use on 32- or 64-bit Windows and Linux platforms. It consists of a powerful pre-processing environment for creating design models (or importing them from CAD programs), plus a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) solver. Its latest version no. 12 features improved model parametrization and scripting capabilities to accelerate the virtual prototyping of electromagnetic equipment.

The software is available in versions for both 2D and 3D modelling, along with an optional optimization tool. Application-specific solvers are also available for design work involving rotating machinery, superconducting magnets, particle beams, dielectric insulation, and magnetisation/demagnetisation processes. Component or system models can be imported from CAD programs, or generated using a built-in geometric modeller.

The software includes many time saving features, including macros that automate common tasks, and a new tool that allows users to replay and modify existing models. Adaptive FEA meshing allows users to employ the most efficient resolution for the accuracy of solution required.

Both OPERA-2d and -3d offer powerful features including: Automatic Finite Element Mesh Generation; NonLinear and Anisotropic Materials; Coupling to external circuits; Powerful Post-Processing including ability to compute energy and power, force and torque, contour maps of any variable, harmonics analysis and particle trajectories; Environment for parametrization and creating custom menus. OPERA-3d offers a few other powerful features including: A fully featured geometric modeler with an easy-to-use interface, including De-featuring and healing capabilities and CAD import and export facilities.

Opera also includes a purpose-designed post-processor that simplifies the analysis of results from simulations. Numerous functions are available to prepare and display electromagnetic quantities and results in different format and units that would be suitable for the user. The optimization module incorporates a number of algorithmic techniques including stochastic, descent, Pareto and Kriging to improve complex designs involving many degrees of freedom.

Related links: OPERA-2d, OPERA-3d